Defender Aid Clinic

Our mission at the Defender Aid Clinic is twofold: first and foremost, to zealously and creatively serve and defend individuals accused or convicted of crimes in the state of Wyoming who are unable to afford counsel and, second, to provide law students with a world-class legal education through practical application of their skills and knowledge in courts. We also seek and strive to challenge the underlying causes of wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice through our research, writing, training, policy work, and litigation.

This year, we are excited to announce the launching of our podcast, “Justice Talks in Wyoming,” which is intended to educate the public about serious issues related to race and criminal justice as well as to reach future agents of change on their way to or already in law school. You can listen to us here (or on any of the major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher): http://justicetalks.buzzsprout.com/.

In spite of the pandemic, we are staying true to our core practice, including trial work in a variety of counties across the state, direct appeals, post-conviction relief, and innocence claims (in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center). The clinic is strong in number and mind. This semester, we have ten 3L law students, one Master’s social work intern, and two undergraduate interns. We also have two 2L volunteer or work-study students supporting the clinic. The picture is similar going into the Spring semester!

On this unique Giving Day, we are seeking $5,000.00 for the Diane Courselle Memorial Fund, which will go toward training and conference opportunities for our students, investigation work in our caseload, and potential support for student positions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your contributions toward that amount will go a long way in helping the clinic in its efforts. Thank you!

We are grateful for you.