Clinical Opportunities

Trinity Law School recognizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to put their education and faith into action. The Trinity Law School Legal Clinics offer students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom education to helping actual clients before they have completed law school. The clinics are designed to immerse students in the world of law practice while providing much-needed service to the community. Practicing law under the guidance of an experienced attorney faculty member in a service setting not only equips students with practical skills but also instills a lifelong commitment to serving others. 

Participation in the clinical programs is reserved for students in the JD program, who are chosen through an application and interview process.

Trinity Law Clinic

Trinity Law School's first legal clinic, Trinity Law Clinic, started in 2009 as a partnership with Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) and joins in OCRM's purpose "to minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last, and the Lost." Located on the Village of Hope campus, this clinic provides services to the residents of the OCRM's multiple programs around Southern California. Under the supervision of an attorney, law students interview clients and work with the supervising attorney to problem solve. Students address some of the biggest legal issues faced by the homeless including family law, criminal law, and debt issues. Trinity Law Clinic includes instruction on the provision of legal service as well as hands-on training in interviewing clients, assessing legal needs, and providing answers to difficult legal issues. 

Trinity Immigration Clinic

Under the supervision of a Trinity Law School professor and attorney, the Trinity Immigration Clinic works with non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide legal services in areas such as asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Adjustment of Status, removal, and other immigration-related issues. Students receive instruction on representation, case analysis, interviewing, case preparation, and generally on serving client needs. This clinic is entirely virtual, so it is a great opportunity for students outside of Southern California to participate in a clinic while addressing immigration issues for underserved populations.

Trinity Mediation Clinic

Trinity Mediation Clinic operates in conjunction with the Orange County Superior Court and Waymakers OC. Trinity Mediation Clinic is designed to give students hands-on experience providing mediation services to disputants while operating under the direction of a professor who is both a mediator and licensed attorney. As mediators, the students act as third-party neutrals to help litigants facilitate a resolution of their pending lawsuits. Trinity Mediation Clinic equips students interested in entering the field of alternative dispute resolution or those who would like to incorporate peacemaking principles into their own legal practice. This clinical opportunity is available for local students as well as students who attend remotely.

Trinity Mobile Legal Clinic

Furthering Trinity Law School's partnership with the OCRM, the Mobile Legal Clinic opened its doors in 2012. Each week, Trinity Law School students, under the direction of a supervising attorney, work with low-income and homeless residents of Orange County at OCRM facilities. Students interview clients, help complete court or administrative paperwork, and assist clients in contacting governmental agencies as well as preparing for court hearings. Like Trinity Law Clinic, students participating in the Mobile Legal Clinic address many of the biggest legal issues faced by the homeless. Through this ministry, Trinity Law School students are able to provide pro-bono legal services to members of society who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.

Trinity Religious Liberty Clinic 

The Trinity Religious Liberty Clinic is a partnership with the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). PJI is a non-profit organization with offices on the campus of Trinity Law School which provides pro bono legal services to churches and individuals, primarily involving the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. This writing-intense clinic is designed to give students the unique opportunity to hone legal writing skills while under the supervision of an attorney specializing in constitutional law. Students are exposed to writing trial motions and appellate briefs for important religious freedom matters. 

Other Opportunities

Trinity Law School students have the opportunity to participate in other internships, clerkships, and fellowships. During their legal education, Trinity Law School students have worked for judges, lawyers, government agencies, legislators, Christian legal organizations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Trinity Law School encourages this type of experience and works with students to help them find opportunities that best serve their interests.