The Paul E. Wilson Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies – previously known as The Defender Project – was founded at KU Law almost 60 years ago. Hundreds of students have participated in the program over the years and have won more than 70 direct appeals since its rebranding in 2008. The program has received support from many, including Robert …
Graduate Profile: Leah Hodges, L’22
Student advocates for those with limited resources Leah Hodges chose to attend law school because of her passion for people and providing support for those with limited resources. After graduating this month, she will begin her role as a Missouri Justice Fellow with the Missouri Public Defender’s Office in St. Joseph. The two-year criminal defense fellowship places participants in underserved …
Why law school isn’t that bad
We often hear all the horrors of law school: the large amounts of stress, never having enough time and constant pressure to be the best. While these feelings are common and felt by everyone at some point in time, sometimes we forget to highlight the best parts of law school. Meeting great friends Law school exposes us to a variety …
Hands-On Learning Q&A: Audrey Nelson, Project for Innocence
Applying classroom learning to real clients and their cases Third-year law student Audrey Nelson knew she was passionate about public defense work before enrolling in the Paul E. Wilson Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies at the University of Kansas School of Law. During two semesters working with the clinic in 2020-21, Nelson was able to gain hands-on experience and …
Graduate Profile: Brett Sitts, L’20
Active student took on law school with an open mind For students considering law school, Brett Sitts has this advice: “Keep an open mind and stay true to yourself.” That’s how Sitts, who graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law in May, tackled his time in Green Hall. One of his favorite experiences at KU Law was clerking …
Ensuring justice through the Project for Innocence
I firmly believe that every single law student at KU should participate in a clinic before they leave. My year as an intern in the Paul E. Wilson Project for Innocence and Post-Conviction Remedies improved my legal writing, lawyering and client-management skills, and appellate advocacy. Interns also receive a first-hand look at the criminal justice system and the post-conviction remedies …