The Human Touch: Clinical Teaching of Elder Law

Abstract:     
Two trends make this article timely and valuable for legal educators. One trend is the tremendous growth in the field of elder law and the other is the increased emphasis on clinical teaching. This article describes several elder law clinics and also provides detailed insight into one of the oldest such programs, established in 1991, the Elder Law Clinic of Wake Forest University School of Law.

Part I offers a perspective on the rich learning opportunities these clinics provide, as well as the challenges of running an elder law clinic. Part II focuses on Wake Forest University’s clinic, with an emphasis on its partnership with the medical school. Part III discusses the types of cases typically handled by elder law clinics. Part IV addresses some of the teaching issues, aside from cases, including credits, student selection, reflection opportunities, and course materials. Part V covers some administrative aspects of running such a clinic, including funding, case management, student and client feedback, curricula, and similar topics.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 85

Accepted Paper Series