Ursula Davy '25 and Nicole Genevieve Ela '25 share their experiences in the Civil Practice Clinic and reflect on their clinical experiences as a whole. Through their insights, they discuss how the clinic has influenced their career paths and the important role it plays in providing access to justice.

What drew you to the Civil Practice Clinic, and how does it align with your career goals?

UD: I’ll be focusing on labor and employment law at the firm I’ll be joining after graduation, which is why I was drawn to this clinic. I knew it would give me hands-on experience with issues related to my future practice. Since I’m pursuing litigation, I also saw it as a valuable opportunity to gain court experience.

NGE: I was looking for a way to gain practical experience in law school, something beyond what we learn in the classroom. I wanted to both prepare for my career and explore what areas of law I might be interested in, so I could test things out before committing to a job. Clinics offer one of the most in-depth ways to get that experience. Internships and externships are valuable, but you don’t have the same level of responsibility on cases as you do in a clinic.

What role do clinics like this play in economic justice?

UD: Clinics play a critical role. Most of our clients are low-income, and while there are other resources, this clinic provides one of the most realistic opportunities for these individuals to receive justice. I often wonder what would happen if they couldn't get legal representation—this clinic is essential in providing that support.

NGE: Many people go through the civil justice system without representation which is why I think the clinics play such a massive role in economic justice. Legal information can be hard to find and navigate, and there’s limited legal aid available. Clinics help fill in those gaps, offering a training ground for students while providing essential support to people who can’t access other legal services.

Has your clinic experience been what you expected?

UD: I would say it’s been even better than expected. Initially, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what the cases would be like. Landlord-tenant law wasn’t an area I had considered, but I’ve come to appreciate it as a really important field. Professor Mountin is incredible! Even though the work is challenging, he’s made it enjoyable and rewarding.

NGE: In some ways, yes, and in other ways, no. I definitely got the hands-on experience I was hoping for, but it’s also expanded in ways I didn’t anticipate. Through the clinic, I’ve been involved with access-to-justice projects and other groups at the law school. The clinic has not only given me the skills and practice I wanted but also led me to other internships, research projects, and a deeper passion for a new area of justice.

What advice would you give someone considering clinics?

UD: I highly encourage everyone to do a clinic at some point. Externships are great—I did one myself—but in a clinic, you get to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting. It’s a great way to explore your interests while still having the guidance and support you need. You’re not just thrown into the deep end; you have mentors to help you along the way.

NGE: Clinics are an incredibly valuable experience. They offer something unique compared to other internships because you take ownership of your own cases, which you don’t get elsewhere. That responsibility is invaluable. It’s given me a lot of confidence going into practice because I understand how certain legal processes work. You’re guided by a clinical professor who helps you think through every step, and you also have a partner to work through any issues. The support system in place makes the experience much less intimidating.

There’s really no other experience like a clinic if you want to actually work with clients and handle real cases. It’s an invaluable opportunity that you can’t get from other types of legal experience or class.

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Hunter Parnell ’26 and Natalie Mousa ’25, students in Colorado Law’s Immigration Clinic, share their experiences advocating for immigrant clients in the current political climate.

Why did you choose to participate in the Immigration Clinic?
HP: I chose the Immigration Clinic because I came to law school to become a public defender. Many clients who go through the criminal legal system also have immigration-related issues tied to their cases, and I wanted to learn how to support them effectively.

NM: I chose the Immigration Clinic for several reasons. I wanted to explore different areas of law, and this clinic gave me the chance to gain courtroom experience while also working on immigration and criminal law cases. Additionally, I have non-U.S. citizen family members and friends, and I wanted to learn more about immigration law to better support them.

How do you anticipate the election results affecting the clients you serve?

HP: For clients facing criminal charges with immigration consequences, they’re entitled to a public defender, which provides them some level of protection. But for people dealing only with immigration issues, the situation is much less certain.

We’re especially concerned about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) recipients. If the administration ends DACA and TPS, it’s unclear what will happen to these individuals. Many DACA recipients have lived in the U.S. since they were 1 or 2 years old, and without a path to citizenship, their futures are in limbo. Similarly, many TPS recipients have been in the U.S. for 10 to 20 years, and the countries they left are now unfamiliar to them.

There are over 1 million asylum seekers stuck in a backlog, and they face unique risks because they are not entitled to an attorney. This is a significant concern for the clinic because these individuals, who tried to follow the rules, will be the easiest targets for enforcement.

NM: I’ve been getting a lot of emails from clients who are worried about what’s going to happen. We don’t have many answers yet, but clients are eager to move forward with their cases out of fear that the new administration might delay or deny their applications. We’re trying to advise them on how to stay safe and navigate these uncertainties.

How might the clinic’s advocacy efforts change given the political climate?
HP: We’re focusing on outreach to these vulnerable communities. Our goal is to partner with organizations to provide education and resources so people are better prepared for what might happen.

NM: We’ve talked about hosting focus groups on areas the administration may target and holding more information sessions to provide general advice and resources. Our goal is to support as many people as possible.

What has been your greatest takeaway from your clinic experience so far?
HP: I’ve realized just how broken our immigration system is. Many people genuinely want to follow the rules, but the system makes it nearly impossible for them to comply. It’s a system built on luck.

For instance, if a DACA recipient marries a U.S. citizen, they have a pathway to citizenship. But if someone was brought here as a child without DACA protections, there’s no pathway at all. It’s fundamentally unfair and frustrating. This experience has opened my eyes to how many people in our communities have undocumented or uncertain statuses, and how difficult it is for them to navigate this system, even when they want to do things the right way.

NM: The courtroom experience has been invaluable. I’ve learned how to communicate with judges, handle opposing counsel, and navigate courtroom procedures. Building trust with my clients and knowing I’m making a positive impact in their lives has been deeply rewarding.

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