Operating in Macon, Georgia, next to Mercer Law School, the National Criminal Defense College concentrates on coaching lawyers in the theories inherent in defending people accused of criminal acts. Classes in the art of cross-examination, a two-week long Trial Practice Institute and advanced witness and client interviewing courses make this specialized college an excellent place for criminal defense lawyers to review and improve their skills. Lawyers can obtain CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits for courses taken at the school. The National Criminal Defense College offers scholarships and housing for qualified students.
The National Criminal Defense College
c/o Mercer Law School
Macon, GA 31207
478-746-4151
ncdc.net
Long touted as one of the best overall law schools in the United States, Stanford Law School sits in the middle of the Stanford campus's Crown Quadrangle, and consists of four buildings reserved exclusively for legal education. A new academic building, the Robert Crown Law Library and additional housing for graduate students makes Stanford an excellent choice for any law student. However, it offers a criminal defense clinic through the school's Mills Legal Clinic that may be of special interest to prospective lawyers concentrating on criminal defense. The clinic deals with criminal defendants who have been charged under California's Three Strikes law. It offers hands-on training for students in researching cases, interviewing clients and arguing cases in open court. Clinic attorneys supervise students working on actual cases.
Stanford Law School
Crown Quadrangle
559 Nathan Abbott Way
Stanford, CA 94305-8610
650-725-8571
law.stanford.edu
Harvard Law School's Criminal Justice Institute trains law students to be dedicated and thorough criminal defense lawyers. Students learn the proper way to represent impoverished individuals, research cases and investigate needed changes in state and national court reform issues. The Introduction to Advocacy course introduces students to the juvenile justice system by examining its history and how it operates on a daily basis. Aspiring attorneys take on criminal and juvenile cases under the auspices of an experienced lawyer. There's also classroom discussion of the Code of Professional Responsibility and the rights of accused adult and juvenile defendants.
Harvard Law School
Criminal Justice Institute
1515 Massachusetts Avenue
301 Austin Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-496-8143
law.harvard.edu