Clinical law program celebrates new home

Before Penn Law School's Clinical Program was founded 20 years ago, emerging lawyers were well-versed in the intricacies and technicalities of the law, but lacked the know-how to work with actual clients. Today, most Penn law graduates are able to put into practice the many theories they learn. And yesterday afternoon, the Law School dedicated the Gittis Center for Clinical Legal Studies, a new permanent home for the vital program. "It really brings a state-of-the-art facility to what was already a first-rate educational program," said Clinical Instructor Colleen Coonley. Law School alumnus Howard Gittis donated the funding for the new facility, which is located in the ground floor of the newly renovated Lewis Hall. The clinic resembles a law firm that even has its own client entrance at the corner of 34th Street and Sansom streets. The Gittis donation also provided an endowment for the program, which Clinic Director Douglas Frenkel explained will give it permanence, allowing it to "exist and grow." More than 80 Law School faculty, alumni and current students attended the dedication events, which included a presentation on the clinical program and the new center itself, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, reception and open house. Frenkel took the attendees through a history of clinical law education for both the University and the entire country. He explained how various developments led up to the mid 1970s when "the first serious attempt at what we know today as clinical education" emerged. However the program, which was originally located in the basement of Lewis Hall, moved to some Law School dormitories and then International House before it finally found a permanent home in its original building. "We have finally built an appropriate space for the Law School Clinical program," Law School Dean Colin Diver said. He added that he considers the clinic "the finest way we can bridge theory to practice." But Frenkel explained the clinical program goes beyond its history and showed a video called "Tales from the Clinic," in which both former students and clients described their experiences. Frenkel also thanked the many who had contributed to the clinic and explained some of Gittis' accomplishments and attributes. He added that it is "appropriate to attach the name Gittis" to the clinic. Coonley said the clinical program is intended for students enrolled in two upper-level classes that include topics such as interviewing skills. The students work, under supervision, with indigent clients and appear in court on an almost daily basis. She added that the new facility also utilizes technology, such as videotaping student-client conferences that instructors can use to improve students' skills. Law School 1993 graduate LeaNora Patterson said she found the clinical program to be "the most important course in the Law School."

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