Drake Legal Clinic is a comprehensive legal services program operated by Drake University Law School, providing hands-on experience for law students while offering vital legal assistance to the community. It stands out as a federally endowed, state-of-the-art facility where supervised student attorneys handle real cases across multiple specialized practice areas.
The clinic operates under Iowa Student Practice Licenses, allowing qualified students to represent clients in court under faculty supervision. It focuses on serving individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal representation, with intake processes tailored to specific clinics and case types. The program emphasizes practical education, community service, and access to justice through its various specialized units.
Services Offered
- Children’s Rights legal representation
- Criminal Defense for misdemeanor cases
- Entrepreneurial and Transactional legal services
- General Civil Practice including family law
- Refugee legal assistance
- Wrongful Convictions representation
- Divorce and custody cases
- Guardianship cases for individuals 17½ or older
- Adoption legal services
- Landlord/Tenant disputes (non-eviction)
The clinic primarily serves clients in Polk County, Iowa, with specific intake procedures for each practice area. It operates by appointment only and does not open to walk-in inquiries. Services are provided in English, and the clinic is housed in the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center, featuring a technology-equipped courtroom used for both education and actual court proceedings.
