MSU Law Students are Sworn Into Clinical Studies at Ceremony

By Jake Jenkins

Sept 13, 2022

This past Friday, about 60 law students at Michigan State University College of Law, were sworn in to work in the multiple clinical studies programs in a formal ceremony held in the Moot Court.

MSU Law Dean Linda Greene opened the ceremony with encouraging words and highlighted the importance of the programs.

“The pro bono work you do this semester is life-changing, in some cases you will be saving lives,” said Greene. “I know you will give these clients your best work, they deserve nothing less and you will become better lawyers for it.”

With MSU Law’s seven clinic programs serving more than 1,200 clients a year and students volunteering nearly 25,000 hours last year, students embark on new opportunities that will greatly benefit their careers.

“It’s important to bare the mindset of how our work impacts the client,” said Ryan Voisich, ’24, of Warren, Mich. “Today has shown us that our work goes beyond just studying cases. These are real people, and our product of work will forever alter their future.”

Claire Moore, ’23, said that she is excited for the start of the program and understands the responsibility that goes with it.

“I feel like there’s a weight on my shoulders now that I am helping real people with real problems,” said Moore. “This is my first time with hands-on experience in the legal field. It was so exciting to be sworn in, especially by Judge Gleicher”.

Law students entering the clinic programs had the opportunity to be sworn in by the Honorable Elizabeth L. Gleicher, Chief Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals. Kate Fort, Director of Clinics and Indian Law Clinic, welcomed Judge Gleicher and opened the program.

“Clinics are designed to give our students the best experiential learning opportunity they have during their time at the law school,” said Fort. “Clinical professors spend a lot of time thinking about the best way to teach through legal representation, and students get the benefit of that knowledge, along with getting to do actual practice. Students get to meet and work with clients directly, and are ensured an opportunity to practice.”

“It’s a thrill for me to see the next generation of lawyers,” said Judge Gleicher. “All of them are devoted to serving real people and that is what lawyers need to do. MSU is preparing these students to serve the needs of the community and there is nothing more important.”

Judge Gleicher went on to stress the importance of working in clinics and advised new students to make pro bono clinic work part of their law school career.

“Start planning your schedule now so you can fit in a clinic,” said Gleicher. “Working in a clinic like these at MSU Law is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really learn about lawyering and how lawyers make a difference in the lives of real people.”

For more information about law clinics: https://www.law.msu.edu/clinics/