I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. - Confucius

Founded in 1969, in response to the desire of students to develop their legal skills in concert with their wish to serve the legal needs of the surrounding community, Columbus Community Legal Services provides free, high-quality legal services to needy individuals and families who live in the District of Columbia. In addition to assisting persons who would otherwise go unrepresented, Columbus Community Legal Services provides a challenging learning environment for approximately 90 second- and third-year law students each year.

In each of the four Columbus Community Legal Services clinics, students have primary responsibility for their clients' cases. While supervising attorneys provide guidance and closely monitor case strategy, Columbus Community Legal Services emphasizes experiential learning and self reflection with the goal of producing alumni who will demonstrate a lifetime of professional improvement. In addition to learning practical trial techniques, students must also wrestle with the ethical issues that confront lawyers and examine such critical issues as racism, sexism, and class bias in the context of the legal system.

Columbus Community Legal Services offers four distinct clinical courses: the General Practice Clinic; the Families and the Law Clinic; the Advocacy for the Elderly Clinic; and the Consumer Protection Project.

Considering applying for admission to the New York State bar?

Pursuant to Rule § 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law, every applicant admitted to the New York State bar on or after January 1, 2015, other than applicants for admission without examination, is required to complete at least 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service prior to filing an application for admission. Participation in a clinical program at Columbus Community Legal Services fulfills the pro bono requirement.

Interested in Enrolling With Us Next Semester? 

CCLS is currently conducting a pre-registration process for all students interested in enrolling in a CCLS clinical course for the fall 2013 semester. The deadline is Tuesday, May 28, for all returning students who wish to be considered for enrollment with us in the fall.  Please download and complete the CCLS pre-registration form and submit it to CCLS by 5:00 p.m. on May 28th.