When Brian LaCien registered for an advanced criminal procedure course at the DePaul University College of Law, he expected to put in a few hours of free legal work as part of the class. But the experience waiting for LaCien and his classmates will take them beyond the safe, predictable confines of a law office or legal clinic and put them on the front line of criminal defense.

As volunteers for First Defense Legal Aid, which provides free legal advice to individuals being investigated by police, they will work in Chicago area police stations helping to preserve the constitutional rights of arrestees who otherwise may have no immediate legal representation.

“This experience will bring insight to the topics and rules being presented in class,” explained LaCien, 25, a third-year law student and aspiring litigator.

“It provides a real idea of what a defense attorney experiences on a daily basis and insight into how an accused person and police handle the process.”

According to Chicago Police Department statistics, officers made an estimated 252,800 arrests during 2001. First Defense assists anyone who has been arrested in Chicago to ensure their rights are protected and that they are not abused while in police custody.

Students in the course are second- and third-year law students who already have been introduced to the basics of criminal procedure and are learning the intricate elements of trial and post-trial criminal legal work. The association with First Defense will allow students to help real clients at one of the most critical junctures they face in the criminal justice process.

“Most of our students have no clue about what it’s like to practice any kind of law, much less criminal law,” explained Leonard Cavise, a professor of law at DePaul who teaches the course, “Advanced Criminal Procedure: Trial and Post-Trial.” “The cases they study in class come alive when they can attach them to real-world experiences. Criminal law is largely practiced in the street, so this class is a good place for them to start.”

Students are required to step out of the classroom and take on a 12-hour shift as a First Defense volunteer. Advanced students who are authorized to represent clients will act alone on a detainee’s behalf at the police station. Less experienced students also will be dispatched to police stations but will work with seasoned attorneys.

The practical aspect of the criminal procedure course allows students to learn what actually happens when people are detained in police custody and affords them the chance to interact with officers and handle the pressure of performing professionally and responsibly in potentially tense situations.

The partnership between DePaul’s law school and First Defense is one that is beneficial for all involved. “This experience gives students an up-close look at the realities of the criminal justice system,” said Presita R. May, a First Defense staff attorney who is responsible for coordinating the DePaul volunteers. “This is a starting point to pique their interests. Hopefully when the students become attorneys they will be comfortable enough to continue to volunteer.”