ASL, AG’s office partner on first-of-its-kind program

The Appalachian School of Law and Attorney General Jason Miyares announced a new, first-of-its-kind clinic program that will allow ASL students to work with the Office of the Attorney General on criminal appeals.

The new Advanced Appellate Advocacy Program “will be a rigorous and educational experience for participants,” according to a press release from Miyares’ office.

Students enrolled in the program will assist attorneys from the criminal section of the Attorney General’s Office on real appellate cases by reviewing the court record and writing briefs, which will then be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office. The office will then submit them on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“The program gives students an amazing opportunity to work on actual criminal appeals and work with attorneys who are experts in appellate work. Students even have the possibility of arguing before the Court of Appeals if their cases are set for oral argument,” program coordinator and ASL professor Shelly James said via press release.

The program was described as the only program of its kind in Virginia in press releases from Miyares’ office and ASL.

“ASL’s new Advanced Appellate Advocacy Program reflects ASL’s commitment to providing students with practical learning, future career opportunities, and, most important, an opportunity to serve the Commonwealth with their talents,” ASL President and Dean B. Keith Faulkner said via release.

Miyares, who is slated to speak at ASL’s commencement ceremony, said the law school is “an incredible asset to Southwest Virginia.”

“ASL students are well-rounded, hardworking, and passionate people who want to serve their communities through the practice of law,” Miyares said. “I am confident that the ASL externs will continue that great legacy.”