Clinics—External Clinics

Supervising Attorneys: John Rhodes and Jessica Weltman

Faculty Supervisor:
Professor Jeff Renz
406.243.4823
jeff.renz@umontana.edu

Academic Year only – Maximum of 2 students

The Federal Defenders of Montana maintains a branch office in Missoula. The mission of the Federal Defenders of Montana is to ensure that the right to counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, the Criminal Justice Act (Title 18 U.S.C. § 3006A), and other congressional mandates are enforced on behalf of those who cannot afford to retain counsel or obtain criminal defense services. In fulfilling its mission, the Federal Defender program helps to (1) maintain public confidence in the nation’s commitment to equal justice under law and (2) ensure the successful operation of the constitutionally-based adversary system of justice by which both federal criminal laws and federally guaranteed rights are enforced.

Clinical students will assist the Federal Defenders in providing aggressive and effective legal representation to individuals accused of federal offenses, under investigation for federal criminal violations, or appealing a federal conviction or sentence, as well as furnishing representation to federal Habeas Corpus litigants (including those under a sentence of death). Clinical students will directly experience client contact, aid with defense investigations, participate in proceedings in the United States District Court (to the extent permitted by the client, the Court and the attorney supervisor), and research trial and appellate issues. Assignments may also include writing memoranda in support of pretrial motions and drafting briefs to the United States Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit and writs and petitions to the United States Supreme Court.