Claire Raj
Associate Dean for Clinics & Externships
1525 Senate Street,
Columbia, SC 29208
Learn more about Claire
All clinics are open to 3Ls and second semester 2Ls who have completed relevant prerequisite
coursework.
Clinic students receive a limited license to practice as student attorneys under South
Carolina Appellate Court Rule 401, giving them the opportunity to counsel clients,
negotiate with opposing parties, draft and argue motions, and appear before judges
and other administrative bodies under the close supervision of faculty.
In-House Clinics at South Carolina Law
The CHAMPS Clinic is a collaboration of the School of Law, the USC School of Medicine, and Prisma Health. The CHAMPS Clinic offers law students the opportunity to work on legal cases that impact children’s health, including SSI, Medicaid, and SNAP appeals, as well as on Powers of Attorney and Health Care Powers of Attorney. Students work in collaboration with doctors, social workers, and other health professionals on their cases.
The Domestic Violence Clinic affords third-year law students the opportunity to represent individuals seeking protection from domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking through emergency civil litigation.
The Education Rights Clinic allows students to participate in the advocacy of children and families in the context of educational law.
The Federal Civil Practice Clinic offers students the rare opportunity to step directly into the role of a federal litigator, representing real clients with civil rights claims in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.
The Tax Clinic provides legal assistance to low-income South Carolinians with federal income tax controversies. The Tax Clinic is dedicated to helping taxpayers understand and manage their tax issues, like balances due and tax audits, and to educating them about their rights and responsibilities as U.S. taxpayers.
The Veterans Legal Clinic is a year-round clinic that serves the legal needs of indigent veterans and their families, allowing them to continue making a positive impact on their communities. Services are available to veterans facing issues on credit and related financial matters, housing issues, government benefits, and family law issues.
Student attorneys in the Youth Defender Clinic represent teenagers accused of crimes and status offenses in Richland and Lexington County Family Court. Student attorneys interview and counsel clients, investigate and research cases, prepare for trials, negotiate with solicitors and the Department of Juvenile Justice, and advocate for clients in and out of court at all stages of a case from intake through disposition.
Faculty Supervision
The Rice School of Law’s clinical curriculum is widely regarded as a model program, combining rigorous experiential learning with a deep commitment to public service and access to justice. Taught by experienced, full-time faculty, the clinical program reflects the University of South Carolina’s longstanding dedication to client-centered legal education.
Clinical courses are six credits and are structured with both practical and classroom components. Clinical instruction emphasizes close supervision, ethical practice, and skill development. Faculty observe or review all student work and provide detailed, individualized feedback, designed to strengthen students’ advocacy, judgment, and professional skills.
Because this intensive approach prioritizes both educational quality and client impact, student demand for clinical courses is high, and enrollment is intentionally limited to preserve the integrity of the learning experience and the level of service provided to clients.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the types of work we have done for our clients. I also enjoy the intrapersonal side of helping construct Bylaws that reflect what an organization actually does. Mostly, I like that at the end of the day, we are working with people who want to make a difference and help the public. I have been very inspired by many of the clients and their missions. It feels great to combine what I think my talents are with being able to help organizations make a difference.
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