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Prosecution Clinic

The Prosecution Law Clinic provides students with real-life experience in criminal prosecution at the state trial level through direct placement with the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office and the St. Louis City Circuit Attorney’s Office.

About the Clinic

The Prosecution Law Clinic provides students with hands-on experience in the criminal prosecution system at the state trial level. Students serve as Rule 13 certified attorneys with the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office and the St. Louis City Circuit Attorney’s Office, handling or assisting with the prosecution of state-level crimes while gaining exposure to the legal and ethical challenges that prosecutors face in practice.

Practical Experience:

  • Serve as certified attorneys with the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office and the St. Louis City Circuit Attorney’s Office
  • Handle or assist with prosecution of state-level crimes
  • Participate in case reviews and strategy meetings
  • Conduct witness interviews and preparation sessions
  • Engage with victims, lay witnesses, and professional witnesses
  • Navigate sensitive or emotionally difficult subject matter
  • Practice litigation skills in real courtroom settings

Skills Development

Students develop essential prosecutorial skills through hands-on practice and faculty guidance:

  • Problem-solving and legal analysis in criminal cases
  • Legal research and factual investigation techniques
  • Witness interviewing and preparation strategies
  • Oral and written communication in prosecution contexts
  • Litigation skills and courtroom advocacy
  • Case organization and legal work management
  • Ethical decision-making and understanding prosecutor’s special responsibilities
Faculty

Clinic Faculty

Tom Smith

Adjunct Professor

Rob Huq

Adjunct Professor

Tanja Engelhardt

Adjunct Professor

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