The Paul M. Hebert Law Center is developing a curriculum to expand its clinical legal education program beginning fall 2008. Jack Weiss, Law Center chancellor, expects the program to increase staff and student opportunities for real world experience and interaction with real clients. Over a three year period, the program will develop more live client experiences for students, which allow them to represent and counsel actual clients. The program would also provide externships where students work in government offices under supervision of that office’s staff. Then the students meet with the law center’s faculty to discuss issues from that work. “There is a dual educational and service role involved,” Weiss said. The plan is expected to reach its strongest point in a few years. Weiss said one of his most important goals as chancellor of the law center is to dramatically expand clinical offerings and externship programs. Weiss said the law center will take advantage of its location in the capital city to help achieve those plans. “We feel that given our location here in Baton Rouge and our role as the state’s flagship law school, we have a fabulous opportunity to expand those externship opportunities for our law students,” Weiss said. Weiss said the American Bar Association requires law schools to provide students live client opportunities and real world experience. The program will add to what is currently required to make a more substantial program. Weiss said this experience will go well beyond classroom education. Weiss said a committee made up of faculty will present a three-year plan Jan. 15 describing the necessary steps to build on the current program. The plan will be phased in beginning this fall. Lucy McGough, law professor and chairman of the committee, said offering more programs at the law center will help with recruiting efforts. The committee is searching for a director with a national reputation and is experienced in operating a clinic. “With a director in place we hope to develop a curriculum that would provide the best experience for the students,” McGough said. In 2007 the University’s law center had the highest bar exam passing rate in the state at 76.7 percent, and the lowest percentage of students in the state to fail the exam at 6.2 percent. According to a recent report by U.S. News and World Report, the University’s law center is nationally ranked no. 91 among America’s top law schools for 2008.