The UC Hastings Appellate Project (HAP)

3L students with advanced advocacy and litigation skills may participate in the UC Hastings Appellate Project, which offers genuine appellate advocacy opportunities at the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Under the supervision of Gary Watt, appellate practitioner and HAP Director, students assume responsibility for all aspects of appellate litigation, including briefing, document filing, calendaring, client correspondence, and oral argument on behalf of actual litigants proceeding pro se before the court.

Since its inception in 2009, students enrolled in HAP have represented real clients in cases involving:

• Immigration proceedings;
• Section 1983, wrongful arrest suits;
• Employment law;
• Foreclosure and housing rights;
• Prisoner civil rights.

The Ninth Circuit Pro Bono Program refers cases to HAP where the court believes that an attorney’s involvement will benefit the court by more effectively representing the claims of pro se litigants.

Students enrolled in HAP may receive three units of academic credit (two in the fall, one in the spring) or special recognition at graduation for pro bono service. Applications for the 2013-2014 school year are now available. Please contact Stephen Tollafield, tollafie@uchastings.edu, with any questions.

2013-2014 Hastings Appellate Project Application