Since its inception as the Wrongful Conviction Externship in 2018 and its subsequent establishment as a full legal clinic in 2020, the Exoneration Justice Clinic has focused on training students in the investigation and litigation of wrongful conviction cases. Many of these students have used their clinical training to pursue careers in the criminal justice system, seeking to prevent wrongful convictions and promote justice. These careers include roles as a wrongful conviction or innocence attorney, public defender, prosecutor, and other positions.
According to Professor Jimmy Gurulé, a former federal prosecutor and director of the Exoneration Justice Clinic, the clinic exemplifies Notre Dame Law School's mission of educating a "different kind of lawyer" by allowing students to use their legal knowledge to investigate and prosecute wrongful conviction cases based on claims of actual innocence. Unfortunately, many of the clinic's clients have spent over two decades in prison for crimes they did not commit.
Several Exoneration Justice Clinic alums have joined other wrongful conviction organizations following graduation, building on the experience and skills gained from the clinic.
Several Notre Dame Law School alums have found their calling in criminal law and justice by participating in the Exoneration Justice Clinic (EJC). Essa Webber ’22 J.D. and Brandon Leinz ’20 J.D. credit the EJC for shaping their career paths and passion for representing wrongfully convicted individuals. Webber recently joined the Western Michigan University-Cooley Innocence Project, while Leinz serves as a public defender in Phoenix after completing his fellowship with the Arizona Justice Project.
Similarly, third-year law student Pirie Maher will join the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender after graduation in May. Maher notes the importance of empathetic lawyering, a skill she honed at the EJC, and the reminder to represent clients, not just DOC numbers.
Other alums, such as Gordon McCormack ’22 J.D., work as prosecutors but acknowledge the importance of preventing wrongful convictions and curtailing injustice within the system.
The EJC provides students with hands-on experience in criminal investigations and litigation, helping them develop the skills to become effective advocates for justice and the innocent. The EJC hopes to continue inspiring and training future lawyers committed to reforming the criminal justice system.
