ABSTRACT
This chapter builds on the exploration of the concept and practice of clinical legal education introduced in the previous chapter by Richard Grimes. The chapter traces the emergence, evolution and relevance of clinical legal education in the United States and discusses benefits and challenges to the existing clinical legal education model. As clinical legal education has become more popular and prevalent both in the United States and globally, so too have calls for increased standardisation, accountability and intentionality around the aims, pedagogy and results of clinical legal education. The latest and perhaps greatest crisis facing the legal profession provides a timely opportunity for clinical legal education scholars, practitioners, and advocates to reshape and advance the field. Clinical legal education is uniquely positioned to positively influence the future of legal education and the legal profession. Whether this promise becomes a reality in the United States and globally, however, will depend on how clinical legal education adapts and evolves in response to four emerging trends.
