Case Western Reserve University School of Law’s Kramer Law Clinic has been recognized in a national analysis of law school clinics for its significant contributions to legal advocacy and public interest law. The study, published by Legalytics in “Breaking Down Data on Law School Clinics from the Past Year,” ranks the Kramer Law Clinic among the most frequently cited in court opinions across the country from April 2024 to April 2025.
The article highlights the growing role of law school clinics in shaping litigation outcomes, influencing legal precedent and expanding access to justice. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of court opinions, Legalytics identifies law school clinics that are repeatedly mentioned by name in judicial decisions—a mark of both influence and trust from the judiciary.
With seven court opinions citing its work, the Kramer Law Clinic stands out as one of the top-performing clinical programs in the country—surpassing individual clinics at some of the nation's most elite law schools. The Clinic was cited four times by the Ohio Court of Appeals and three times by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, demonstrating its strong presence in both state and federal courts.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our clinical faculty, the commitment of our students, and the deep community engagement that defines our approach to legal education,” said Laura McNally, Associate Dean for Experiential Education. “Our students are not only learning to practice law—they are practicing it at a high level and making a meaningful impact in real people's lives.”
The Kramer Law Clinic encompasses ten distinct clinics—including the Appellate Litigation Clinic, First Amendment Law Clinic, Health Law Clinic and IP Venture Clinic—through which students handle real cases under faculty supervision. The Clinic’s work covers a wide range of legal issues, from public health and reentry support to constitutional and appellate advocacy.
The Legalytics article emphasizes the “repeat-player” role that clinics like Case Western’s play in shaping the legal landscape. Rather than episodic involvement, these clinics are developing sustained relationships with courts, becoming recognized contributors to the legal process, and building lasting institutional credibility.
Case Western Reserve’s inclusion alongside institutions like Harvard, Stanford and Georgetown underscores the national impact of its clinical program and the school’s longstanding commitment to experiential legal education.