The University of Cincinnati College of Law is upgrading its advocacy game. The school recently announced a significant rebranding effort of its Center for Practice, which will now be known as the Center for Advocacy, emphasizing a pivot towards more practical and transferable legal skills for its students. This rebranding mirrors the center’s initiative to strengthen students' readiness for today’s dynamic legal marketplace, in a move that acknowledges how vital these skills are for new lawyers entering the field.
According to a University of Cincinnati press release, the Center for Advocacy offers an array of opportunities for law students to polish their skills in a hands-on environment. From moot court to mock trials, these experiences are designed not just for the courtroom but also for various settings across the legal and business industries. According to a statement obtained by UC News, “The more skills that students can practice before graduation, the better prepared they will be for entering the profession ready to serve their clients from day one,” Jennifer Bergeron, the Director of the Center for Advocacy, highlighted the importance of these practical applications.
The Center now boasts a suite of options for students to gain real-world experience. These include judicial externships with federal and state appellate and trial judges, as well as placements in prosecutors’ offices, defense organizations, law firms, and corporate legal departments. Cincinnati Law students who hold a legal intern’s license are also eligible to represent clients in court settings under the guidance of a licensed attorney—a crucial step in their hands-on training.
