LSU Law students Ben Aguinaga, Alexier Barbour, Ashley Jackson, Victoria Jowers and Lance Neyland have spent this semester working on the appeal in the case of State ex rel. Herbert Nicholson, Petitioner-Appelant v. State of Louisiana, Respondent-Appelle. Their work will culminate on Monday, March 16, as Aguinaga presents the oral argument before the Louisiana Supreme Court. Oral argument begins at 2:00; the case is second on the docket and will likely begin around 2:30. It will be carried live in the Student Lounge beginning at 2:00 and in room W230, after 2:50. The argument can also be viewed on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s website.
“This opportunity allows students to learn by representing a real client in a real case on appeal,” said Professor Robert Lancaster, Director of the LSU Law Clinical Education Program. “It also provides these students the rare opportunity to prepare a brief and argue a case before the Louisiana Supreme Court – an experience most attorneys never have in their entire legal career. Most of all, the opportunity provides proof that the students working on this case will be excellent and capable lawyers – they have been exceptional, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such legal talent.”
The Louisiana Supreme Court appointed the LSU Law Clinic to represent the Appellant. Through the Law Clinic, the Law Center offers second and third-year students the opportunity to practice law and represent indigent clients in the Baton Rouge community. The Law Clinic is analogous to a residency in medical school where, under close faculty supervision, students practice by representing real clients with important legal issues. Students practice in local courts, before administrative agencies and other venues. The Law Clinic is a self-contained legal services office located in the Law Center where students are certified to practice law pursuant to Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XX.
