The Juvenile Law Clinic trains students in youth advocacy and litigation through supervised representation of juveniles in delinquency proceedings and school disciplinary matters.
Juvenile Law Clinic
Message from the Clinic Director
In the Juvenile Law Clinic, students step into advocacy at moments that matter for children and families. Under attorney and faculty supervision, certified legal interns represent young people in juvenile delinquency and school suspension or expulsion matters.
Students meet with clients, prepare cases, appear in court, and develop the judgment and care needed to advocate effectively. Through referrals from the Durham County Public Defender’s Office and community partners, the Clinic gives students meaningful litigation experience while helping protect the rights and futures of young people.
Tenika R. Hall
Clinical Director and Supervising Attorney
Student Information
The Juvenile Law Clinic is designed for students interested in youth advocacy, juvenile defense, education-related advocacy, and community-based legal service.
Info Accordions
- Weekly class meetings focused on juvenile law, client advocacy, courtroom practice, and professional development.
- Training, guidance, and supervision from an attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience.
- Hands-on experience representing clients in juvenile delinquency, school discipline, and related youth advocacy matters.
- Regular court appearances in professional attire as part of the clinic experience.
- Direct client communication, including maintaining consistent contact with assigned clients.
- Completion of a mandatory clinic orientation before beginning client representation.
- Use of Clio to record client interactions, court appearances, time logs, and other case-related activities.
- Development of practice management skills, including scheduling, timekeeping, case organization, and follow-through on client matters.
- Experience balancing courtroom responsibilities with academic coursework and other professional obligations.
- A strong emphasis on professionalism, preparation, accountability, and ethical client service.
Through participation in the Juvenile Law Clinic, students will:
- Develop issue-spotting and legal analysis skills in juvenile delinquency, school discipline, and related youth advocacy matters.
- Counsel and communicate with youth clients and families with professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness.
- Strengthen negotiation and advocacy skills through juvenile court proceedings, school-based proceedings, and administrative matters.
- Gain practical litigation experience under attorney supervision.
- Develop professional judgment and ethical awareness in representing minors and working with families.
- Build organizational skills needed to manage juvenile client matters responsibly.
- Communicate professionally with clients, families, attorneys, court personnel, school officials, and other stakeholders.
- Apply client-centered advocacy skills to matters affecting youth, families, education, and community stability.
- Open to upper-level law students.
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Trial Practice or Evidence.
Potential Client Information and Clinic Services
The Juvenile Law Clinic serves youth in Durham County who need legal advocacy, educational support, and guidance in juvenile court or school disciplinary matters. Most cases are referred through the Durham County Public Defender’s Office or community partners.
Info Accordions
Services provided by the Juvenile Law Clinic may include:
- Representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings in Durham County District Court.
- Representation in school suspension and expulsion hearings.
- Client counseling and advocacy support for juveniles and families.
- Community outreach and youth engagement initiatives.
The Juvenile Law Clinic may serve:
- Youth involved in juvenile delinquency matters.
- Youth facing school disciplinary proceedings.
- Youth in Durham County who need legal advocacy or educational support.
- Children and families from low-income or underserved communities.
Clinic Highlights
Info Accordions
Juvenile Law Clinic students served Durham County youth through legal representation, client advocacy, and community outreach. The highlight showcases their work in court, their engagement with local judges and attorneys, and their service to youth at the Broad Street Juvenile Detention Center.
Professor Tenika Hall was featured by 828newsNOW for her analysis of youth justice, adult charges, reverse waivers, and the role of advocacy in serious juvenile cases.
Contact Information
Info Accordions
For questions about clinic services, eligibility, or appointments, please contact the NCCU Juvenile Law Clinic:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 919-530-7166
We are committed to providing professional, community-centered service and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.