About The Residency
The Public Defender Residency is a 6-credit, semester-long course designed for students to master the essentials of criminal defense advocacy. Under the close supervision of faculty and experienced defense attorneys, residency students practice their skills in the classroom and apply them directly by representing Clark County Public Defender (CCPD) clients who cannot afford an attorney. The residency will be offered beginning in the Fall 2026 semester.
The residency bridges the gap between theory and practice through two core pillars:
- Weekly 3-Hour Seminar: Taught by Professor Hanan and CCPD Training Directors Robson Hauser and Rafael Nones. Students study the fundamentals of criminal defense and refine their skills through intensive simulation exercises.
- Supervised Practice: Student attorneys take their training into the courtroom to represent CCPD clients. Under the guidance of Professors Hanan, Hauser, and Nones, students handle everything from client interviewing and counseling to representing individuals in hearings, trials, and sentencing.
Unlike an externship, this course features an intensive seminar that directly tracks the legal skills needed for active cases, alongside in-depth faculty observation and feedback. While the seminar is on campus, casework takes place at the CCPD and in court rather than at the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic.
This program is ideal for law students who are:
- Interested in criminal practice but exploring both prosecution and defense.
- Committed to equal justice for those facing state action and unable to afford counsel.
- Aspiring trial attorneys looking to sharpen their courtroom skills.
Requirements & Prerequisites
- Credit Hours: Students must have completed 45 semester credit hours to qualify for Level 2 certification under Nevada Supreme Court Rule 49.3.
- Recommended Courses: While there are no firm prerequisites, we highly recommend taking Evidence and Criminal Procedure prior to or concurrently with the residency.
Meet the Residency Faculty
