Clinic Perspective: Ken Walden '90

What did you enjoy about your clinic experience?
I worked in the Juvenile Law Clinic under Susan Leviton. I loved it, and it cemented my interest in practicing juvenile law after I graduated. I did the six credit version during my last semester as a third-year student. I recall participating in a delinquency hearing before Master Bailey in the Baltimore City Circuit Court. My clinical partner and I graduated before the case finished, but we wanted to see the case through to its end, so Susan got us special permission to handle the case after we graduated.

Was there a particularly memorable moment from your clinic experience that you'd like to share?
Funny moments -- Susan never announced when a meeting with her was over. She would meet with students in her office, but when she was done with you, she simply turned to her desk to check her mail, make phone calls, etc. But she never formally dismissed you! So as a student you would just sit for a moment realize the meeting was over, and quietly leave. I used to share this anecdote with other students to alert them not to take this personally - Susan was busy and this was just Susan being Susan!

What was your greatest takeaway from your clinic experience?
It was exciting to get to know Susan and some of the other clinical professors, including Professors Millemann, Wolf, and Feldman, who were so committed to public interest work and student growth.

How has your clinic experience benefitted you in your career and approach to lawyering?
I have practiced public interest law since day 1 and have never looked back. I still do public interest work. It helped prepare me for my first job with the CINA unit of the Legal Aid Bureau of Baltimore.