My name is Jenny Musyj and I am an incoming 3L student. During my 2L year at Allard, I had the opportunity to enroll in the Innocence Project. This was by far the most rewarding experience that I have had thus far in my academic career, and I highly recommend the program.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Innocence Project (or who haven’t seen Making A Murderer on Netflix!), it is an international network which conducts post-conviction reviews in response to claims of wrongful convictions. Individuals, or others on their behalf, who believe that they have been wrongfully convicted of a crime can apply to the UBC Innocence Project. Upon review of the application (keeping in mind the UBC Project only accepts claims of murder or sexual assault) a student caseworker is assigned to the file. Working alongside a highly experienced criminal defence lawyer, and overseen by the Project Director Tamara Levy, the student caseworker is working to identify potential miscarriages of justice. Each step that you make on your file has a potential to change the life of your client. The UBC Innocence Project just submitted their first 696 Application to the Minister of Justice this past year, which encompassed the work of students for almost a decade!
Not only was this experience incredibly rewarding, but I learned so many valuable skills that I will be able to use during my career as a lawyer, in any practice area. I was able to advance my legal research and writing skills, learn how to draft memos, interact with the legal profession, draft court documents, just to name a few. One of my favourite parts was getting to investigate facts- you really get to feel like a sleuth! Also, having the opportunity to interact with your client (who is presumably innocent), is such an unparalleled experience. We also had the opportunity to attend the Innocence Network Conference in San Diego, which is an experience that I will never forget. After hearing the stories of exonerees and having the opportunity to meet them, I truly recognized the importance of my work. I even got to meet Amanda Knox!
I highly encourage everyone to apply for a clinic, whether it be the Innocence Project or another clinic, in their second or third year. The hands-on experience and knowledge that is gained is not s omething that can be learned in the classroom. Clinics are a unique opportunity where you get to do “real legal work”, while gaining course credits. If you’re interested in criminal law or making a difference in someone’s life, I would definitely apply for the Innocence Project (I might be a little biased.. 🙂 ) Even if criminal law is not something that you want to practice, when else in your life are you going to get to take part in this incredible opportunity?
Best of luck to all the incoming 1Ls, and I look forward to meeting you all!
