Kramer Law Clinic – Case Western Reserve – Cleveland, OH

Innovative Legal Services and Education

The Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center is a unique legal institution located within the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland’s University Circle. Serving as a "teaching law firm," the clinic provides high-quality, pro bono legal services to the community while training the next generation of lawyers. Under the supervision of experienced faculty members who are licensed attorneys, third-year law students handle real cases for clients who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation. This model allows the clinic to handle a diverse range of legal matters, from intellectual property and business startups to criminal defense and civil rights litigation, ensuring that justice is accessible to underserved populations in Northeast Ohio.

The Kramer Law Clinic is renowned for its comprehensive approach to legal practice. Students do not just observe; they act as the primary legal counsel for their clients, drafting motions, negotiating settlements, and arguing cases in court. The clinic comprises several specialized sections, including the Intellectual Property Venture Clinic, which helps entrepreneurs protect their innovations, and the Second Chance Reentry Clinic, which assists individuals with criminal records in overcoming barriers to employment and housing. This hands-on environment fosters a culture of excellence and public service, making the Kramer Law Clinic a vital resource for the Cleveland community and a leader in experiential legal education.

Specialized Clinical Sections

The clinic offers legal assistance through various specialized programs:

• Civil Litigation: Representing clients in landlord-tenant disputes, consumer protection cases, and contract issues.
• Criminal Justice: Defending individuals charged with misdemeanors and navigating the complexities of the municipal court system.
• Intellectual Property Venture Clinic (IPVC): assisting startups and inventors with patent searches, trademark registration, and IP strategy.
• Community Development: providing legal counsel to non-profits and community organizations on governance and transactional matters.
• Immigration: representing foreign nationals in asylum cases and removal proceedings.
• Health Law: Advocating for patients and families in matters related to access to care and public health policy.
• Second Chance Reentry: Helping citizens with record sealing, expungement, and certificates of qualification for employment (CQE).

Impact and Excellence

The Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center handles over 100 cases annually, contributing thousands of hours of free legal work to the community. Its state-of-the-art facilities in the law school building mimic a modern law office, providing a professional setting for client meetings. The faculty supervisors are experts in their respective fields, ensuring that every client receives competent and ethical representation. For the clients, the clinic offers a lifeline in a legal system that is often confusing and expensive. For the students, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop the skills and judgment necessary to become effective advocates. The clinic’s work has been recognized for its significant impact on the lives of individual clients and the broader legal landscape of Ohio.

We are committed to bridging the justice gap. By combining education with advocacy, we provide powerful legal representation to those who need it most.

University Circle Location

The clinic is located at 11075 East Boulevard, inside George Gund Hall, the home of the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. This location is in the heart of the cultural hub of University Circle, adjacent to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The setting is academic yet accessible. Parking is available in university lots and nearby metered street parking along East Blvd and Bellflower Rd. The location is well-served by public transportation, with the HealthLine bus running along Euclid Avenue and the Little Italy-University Circle rapid station just a short walk away.

Applying for Services

The Kramer Law Clinic accepts clients based on specific criteria and case availability. Individuals seeking legal assistance or businesses looking for IP support can contact the clinic to determine their eligibility. While not every case can be accepted, the clinic remains a beacon of hope and a dedicated provider of legal aid in Cleveland. Call today to inquire about their intake process and available services.