"The Children's Justice Clinic was the highlight of my law school experience at Rutgers. It was an incredibly rewarding and challenging program that put me directly in the role of a lawyer and an advocate representing juveniles in Camden - under the supervision of a practicing attorney, of course. The breadth of areas my partner and I experienced was amazing. In just one of our three cases during the semester, we had the opportunity to conduct an initial intake interview with a client, negotiate a plea deal with a Camden County prosecutor, prepare for and conduct a full trial, and argue a disposition before a judge, all while maintaining constant contact with the client and ensuring his continued well-being. The Children's Justice Clinic provides excellent training and experience for future practicing attorneys.

What makes the Clinic even more special is the goal embodying its creation - to help juveniles living in one of the most impoverished cities in America who are in trouble and in need of holistic representation by working with them to create better opportunities for their lives. Under the guidance and supervision of Professors Simkins and Lore, we had an opportunity to directly experience the challenges and troubles faced by the youth in the greater Camden community outside the walls of our law school. The passion and commitment both professors brought to the Clinic empowered us to realize that we as mere law students could effect positive change. I am excited to see the outstanding work Professors Simkins and Lore along with future Clinic students continue to perform for the youth of Camden in the coming years."

Jon Pentzien, Class of 2007

CJC is a must-take course for students looking to get out of class and begin practicing law. I came looking for trial experience, and I found myself and my partner conducting discovery, interviewing potential witnesses, visiting the scene where our client was arrested, creating exhibits, making strategic decisions like deciding whether our client would take the stand, scripting and practicing cross examinations, and conducting a full trial. We actually got to cross examine a New Jersey State Trooper. And we did all of this with years of liberty at stake for our clients.

But it's not all about trial. I worked on several cases with my partner over the course of the term. We interviewed and counseled our clients as well as our clients, parents and guardians. We met with probation officers. We represented clients at pre-trial hearings. We negotiated with prosecutors. We represented clients at post-trial proceedings. And we found creative ways to make sure our clients were getting the services they needed.

Not only did we get great practical experience, but we had an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients as well as on the juvenile justice system in Camden County. I saw demeanors change when people realized they were interacting with people who cared.

Sean