About the Clinic Program

About the Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic

In our clinic program, students put their legal training to use in the service of clients, advancing justice in courtrooms, legislative chambers, and the community.

Guided by experienced, creative, supportive, and committed faculty, students make a difference close to campus, around the state, and across the globe. The diversity of our offerings ensures that every student can benefit from the transformative experience of real-world lawyering.

Read about the work done by our clinic participants:

• Gov. Inslee signs bill created and championed by Seattle U Law Workers’ Rights Clinic
• After reforms, racial inequity in WA 3-strikes law remains, report finds

Approach

Seattle U Law’s clinic program is renowned and well-respected in part for the combination of student responsibility and faculty support that is the hallmark of the clinic experience we offer to our students.

• Students assume primary responsibility for all legal work and client interactions
• Students perform a variety important functions:
  • Conduct interviews
  • Prepare documents
  • Examine witnesses
  • Address judges, opposing counsel, and other decision makers
• Faculty play a supportive and facilitative role in the clinic

About the clinic's namesake

Ronald A. Peterson taught at Seattle University for nearly 35 years, in the History Department, the Albers School of Business and Economics, and the Legal Studies Program. An attorney by training, he was the first to propose the establishment of a law school at Seattle University. Considered a campus pioneer, he founded the admissions, alumni, and college relations programs and held many teaching and administrative positions during his tenure.