ACLU of Montana
Field Placement
Academic Year/Summer
Faculty Supervisor
Supervising Attorney
Alex Rate
Prerequisite
Professional Responsibility, Trial Practice
Pre- or Co-requisite:
Criminal Procedure - Investigative, Criminal Procedure – Adjudicative
Areas of Emphasis
Constitutional law; civil rights; anti-discrimination law; identification of legal issues; legal research, analysis, and writing; factual investigation and development; objective and persuasive oral and written communication; client interviewing and counseling; complex civil litigation; pro bono service; access to justice
Sample Projects
- Draft motion for summary judgment and supporting affidavits
- Prepare predictive memoranda in voting rights case
- Draft complaint and other similar civil litigation documents
General Information
The mission of the ACLU of Montana is to protect and defend federal and state constitutional rights. Students identify constitutional issues, perform legal research, interview prospective clients and witnesses, draft demand letters, motions and pleadings, engage in discovery, meet with government officials, and attend and contribute to court hearings. The ACLU of Montana collaborates often with the ACLU national office.