Federal Litigation and Appeals Clinic
Learn to Advocate When the Stakes are High
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The Federal Litigation and Appeals Clinic offers Drexel Kline Law students a rare opportunity to represent clients in immigration matters at both the trial and appellate levels. Under the guidance of practicing attorney Emma Tuohy, students handle asylum, removal defense and humanitarian cases while gaining experience in one of the most challenging and impactful areas of legal practice.
Students have appeared before immigration judges, submitted filings to the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal circuit courts and supported clients in applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Along the way, students gain confidence navigating complex legal systems and develop skills that stay with them long after graduation.
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From Hearings to Appeals: You Can Take the Lead
You can work on trial and appellate matters under the guidance of a practicing attorney and take the lead on strategy, hearings and filings.
Open to 2L students, the clinic includes a weekly seminar that introduces the foundations of immigration and asylum law. No prior experience is required.
Students typically handle two to four matters, including asylum hearings, and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Depending on the case, they may draft briefs, assist in oral argument preparation or lead hearing prep and client communications.
Students work in pairs and take responsibility for legal research, drafting, client interviews and strategic decisions. In many instances, they represent clients directly in court under Professor Tuohy’s supervision.
Working on live cases gives students something no classroom can: The chance to make strategic decisions, apply the law and grow into thoughtful, effective advocates.
Emma Tuohy, clinic director
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Every Word Counts
Clinic work often requires students to pause, reflect and communicate with care—especially across languages and cultures.
The clinic taught me it can be challenging to communicate across languages and cultures, and how important it is to pause, clarify and make sure your client feels understood, especially when the stakes are high.
Olivia Donnini, JD ’26
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Learn the Essentials of Impactful Lawyering
You can develop critical skills for litigation, appellate practice and direct client representation:
- Drafting persuasive briefs and affidavits
- Preparing and responding to witness testimony
- Communicating across cultures and language barriers
- Managing multiple matters and deadlines
- Collaborating with faculty, peers and clients
The weight of this work hits when someone is trusting you to help them stay safe. That trust shapes how you carry yourself as a lawyer.
Kate Hammond, JD ’26
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Mentorship that Balances Structure and Trust
Professor Emma Tuohy brings her full-time immigration practice into the clinic and supports each student through their responsibilities. She provides structure where needed and space for students to take initiative and lead.
Seminars cover legal foundations, and one-on-one meetings offer time for review, reflection and preparation before hearings or filings. The result is a setting where students learn not only what to do, but also how to grow from each challenge.
Students don’t just observe. They take the lead. They run hearings, prepare arguments and work with people whose futures are at stake. It changes how they see themselves as lawyers.
Emma Tuohy, clinic director
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Why It Matters
This clinic teaches students what it means to advocate when the legal system is unfamiliar, urgent and deeply personal. They work with people who are seeking safety, stability and the chance to remain with their families.
It’s a chance to develop legal skills and courtroom experience, and to learn how to build trust and communicate in ways that make a lasting difference.
The field is constantly changing, and the legal landscape can shift overnight. That’s why I aim to keep students engaged, hopeful and aware of the difference their advocacy can make in people’s lives.
Emma Tuohy, clinic director
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