Law Clinic Faculty
The diverse interests and expertise of the Clinic faculty provide a variety of opportunities for experiential learning. In this setting, students master client representation and counseling, case planning and strategy, and persuasive advocacy before trial courts and administrative tribunals.
Professor John Francis has been the Director of the Washburn Law Clinic since 1999. Prior to his appointment at Washburn, Professor Francis worked for several years as a Public Defender in New York City and has been a clinical educator since 1994.
"The clinical program at Washburn Law empowers students to develop into persuasive, ethical lawyers. I am proud of the high caliber of professional practice achieved by our students as well as the valuable service they provide to the community."
Professor Janet Thompson Jackson joined the Washburn Law faculty in 2004. She previously was a Clinical Fellow at the University of Baltimore School of Law and an Adjunct at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law teaching legal writing and civil rights law.
"The Law Clinic allows for a well-supervised transition from classroom student to legal counsel for under-represented groups and individuals. Students gain exposure to a broad range of legal issues and develop legal and problem-solving skills they will use in their legal practice and in life."
Professor Aliza Organick joined the Washburn Law faculty in 2004. She previously was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico teaching in the Indian Law Clinic serving Native American clients and an Assistant Public Defender for the state of New Mexico in both the mental health and metropolitan divisions.
"I believe that the clinic experience can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a student's legal education. It can also be one of the most challenging. Making the transition from law student to lawyer is not an easy one and having an opportunity to take part in this very critical transition is really an honor for me."
Professor Lynette Petty has been with the Law Clinic since 1992. She was formerly managing attorney of a Legal Services office, and worked on public benefit and disability issues.
"Our clinic students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring diverse experiences. An attorney must be able to recognize and evaluate the differences of those they represent. The clinic offers students the opportunity to explore these issues and develop the skills to effectively counsel people seeking legal assistance."
Professor Sheila Reynolds has been with the Law Clinic since August 1979. Her professional experience has been in family and welfare law, and has experience providing legal services to the elderly.
"Law Clinic supervision allows me to provide important legal services to clients who cannot afford legal representation and help law students grow into self-sufficient, competent lawyers. There is deep satisfaction in observing how much students learn in the course of a clinic internship."
Curtis J. Waugh, Visiting Associate Professor of Law, joined the Clinic in 2003, and has supervised interns in a range of civil cases. Before he joined the Clinic, he practiced for 16 years with the Topeka firm of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, primarily in the areas of civil litigation and appellate practice.
"Because of the fine rapport between students and faculty at Washburn Law, the Law Clinic serves as an effective advocate for its clients' interests and enriches students' law school experience."
