Clinical Education Program

Two Decades of Dedication: Celebrating Professor Ann England's Legacy at Colorado Law

Erin Calkins — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:19:20 +0000

Two Decades of Dedication: Celebrating Professor Ann England's Legacy at Colorado Law Erin Calkins Wed, 04/02/2025 - 13:19

Erin Calkins

What originally inspired you to focus on criminal defense, and how did that passion evolve during your time at the law school?

When I was in law school, I worked primarily with unhoused individuals. I had plans to start a homeless legal clinic, but that didn’t work out. Instead, I clerked for a Juvenile Court judge, where I observed criminal court and was drawn to the public defenders and the work they did with clients. I applied to a public defender’s office, thinking I’d never get hired, but I did and I was fortunate to work with great mentors who taught me the ins and outs of criminal defense.

When I joined the Criminal Defense Clinic at the law school, I was excited to share my passion for helping people with my students. Teaching has been a constant source of growth for me, and over the years, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust my students. Even though they’re new to the work, their passion to act on injustice is often less jaded. Each year, I relearn this lesson. I am consistently inspired by their drive to change the world.

Reflecting on your 20 years at the law school, what stands out most about your time here?

Teaching at the law school has been a rewarding experience, largely because we’re encouraged to follow our passions. I’ve had the opportunity to organize conferences on issues I care about, bring in national speakers, and create new classes with my colleagues – some that allowed me to travel the world while doing it. I’ve worked closely with national death penalty defenders and started the Korey Wise Innocence Project.

Additionally, I’ve had the privilege to practice in a variety of jurisdictions across the Front Range, from representing service members in Colorado Springs to working with municipal public defenders in Aurora. One of the most rewarding aspects has been being able to represent clients who fall through the cracks—people who can’t afford private attorneys but don’t qualify for public defender services. The freedom to follow my passions, with the law school’s support, is something I’ll always be grateful for.

You've taught countless students over the years—are there any particular stories or experiences with students that have had a lasting impact on you?

It’s always exciting to be part of a student’s first trial experience. I still remember my first trial in law school, and I know how transformative that experience can be. One moment that stands out was when we were fighting Boulder’s camping laws. We did several jury trials representing unhoused individuals, each with a unique and impactful story. In one trial, after the verdict, every juror collected their $6 payment and gave it to the client. That powerful act made both the students and I tear up. Those are the moments I’ll never forget.

I’m endlessly inspired by the students I work with. They remind me that change is possible, and they’re going to be the ones to make it happen.

What are you most excited about in the next chapter of your career?

I’m excited to take on a larger role with the Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) as the next Director. While I’ve been the faculty director since its inception, I’m eager to help KWIP transition into its next phase. We have an incredibly strong staff and board, and I’m looking forward to helping the organization grow.

I’m also excited to explore what’s next for me personally. I’m still driven by the desire to change the world, and I’m ready to find new ways to contribute to the movement for justice.

What advice would you give to your students who are about to begin their careers in criminal defense?

If you see injustice or something that seems unfair, fight it. It’s the small things that add up to the big things.

Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, trust that, and stand up and object. You can figure out what to say after you stand up.

What will you miss most about your time here at the law school?

While I’m not leaving completely, I will miss the students. Every year, I get to work with a new group of students, and their passion for justice is always inspiring. This generation faces a lot of challenges, but I’m hopeful because they’re smart, compassionate, and driven to make a difference. I’ll miss watching them grow, but I know they’re going to change the world.

As you depart, what final message would you like to leave with the law school community?

Follow your passions.

After two decades of dedicated service, Ann England will be retiring at the end of this year. Throughout her time with Colorado Law and the Clinical Education Program, Ann has made a profound impact on nearly 500 clinic students, as well as her colleagues and community members. Her unwavering commitment to service and her invaluable contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success of both the program and those it serves.

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Meet the incoming Director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, Professor Paige Wilson

Erin Calkins — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 02:42:25 +0000

Meet the incoming Director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, Professor Paige Wilson Erin Calkins Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:42

Professor Paige Wilson is the incoming Director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic. Prior to joining the faculty at CU, Professor Wilson directed the Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic at Ohio State, where her students represented a mix of startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and student-athletes with NIL contracts. She also practiced law at Gunderson Dettmer in New York City, where she represented high-growth technology companies and venture capital funds. Wilson's research on venture capital and clinical pedagogy has been published in the Berkeley Business Law Journal and the Tennessee Journal of Business Law, respectively.

Professor Wilson is originally from the Boston area. She grew up hiking and skiing in New England and looks forward to doing the same in Colorado. She’s particularly excited to explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Boulder. Her favorite part of running a clinic is seeing how students’ unique skills and backgrounds help advance clients’ goals.

Learn more about Professor Wilson and her hopes for the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic.

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Real-World Experience: Ursula Davy '25 and Nicole Genevieve Ela '25 Reflect on the Civil Practice Clinic

Erin Calkins — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 23:07:16 +0000

Real-World Experience: Ursula Davy '25 and Nicole Genevieve Ela '25 Reflect on the Civil Practice Clinic Erin Calkins Fri, 01/31/2025 - 16:07

Erin Calkins

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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Navigating Uncertainty: The Clinical Education Program Supports Immigrant Communities

Erin Calkins — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:44:54 +0000

Navigating Uncertainty: The Clinical Education Program Supports Immigrant Communities Erin Calkins Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:44

Erin Calkins

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.

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.

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