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Considering that NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY, does legal research these days by looking at paper books...it is one of the most absurd measures possible. It measures volume, as opposed to relevance or importance--just plain stupid. Anyone that does legal research these days uses either electronic resources, including traditional online services such as WestLaw or Lexis. Additionally, the measure of expeditures per student is simply one of the silliest measures you can possible imagine. It penalizes schools that are efficient, as well as encourages accounting tricks [which Pitt refuses to play]. The Dean, Provost and University are all looking at this and have been for a little over two years attempting to put resources wherever possible to postively influence the U.S. News numbers. That said, the University simply is unwilling to invest significant resources in the School of Law as the ROI is unfortunately not there.
As for the certificate programs and clinical experiences...there are serveral which are still very highly regarded--including health law. These programs are very expensive to run [at least $1 million per program], and have an unquantifiable impact on U.S. News numbers--other than the expenditures number. The programs are mostly a marketing "gimic" to attract students. Students love them. Most employers are indifferent to the programs. So Pitt tries to strike a balance in offering programs that are top notch to satisfy student demand and for marketing purposes--while keeping within its very scarce resources. See links below to present clinic programs offered:
Taxpayer Clinic
Taxpayer Clinic provides opportunities to gain practical lawyering skills while representing low-income taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.
Elder Law Clinic
In the
Elder Law Clinic, students represent low-income older adults and/or their family members in a variety of legal matters.
Environmental Law Clinic
Working largely in the areas of water quality, water rights, mining, solid waste disposal, and land use, the
Environmental Law Clinic represents low-income clients in matters ranging from legislative drafting to litigation to client counseling.
Family Law Clinic
The
Family Law Clinic assists indigent pro se litigants with family-law issues primarily involving custody, child support, and paternity, as well as secondary family-law issues.
Health Law Clinic
The
Health Law Clinic serves low-income individuals with health-related legal problems, including ones that prevent them from working and/or result in their losing access to health care.
Immigration Law Clinic
Students in the
Immigration Law Clinic represent immigrants requesting asylum, facing removal from the United States, and seeking special protection under the Violence Against Women Act. Students also help clients to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers that could impede their success in the U.S. legal system.
Securities Arbitration Clinic
In the
Securities Arbitration Clinic, students represent small investors in disputes with their broker-dealer through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) mandatory arbitration proceedings and/or the mediation alternative offered through FINRA.- See more at: http://www.law.pitt.edu/academics/juris-doctor/clinics#sthash.VwAGZBm0.dpuf
Plans are in the works to offer an Intellectual Property Clinic, a subject near and dear to my heart
Much like athletics, if Pitt Law really wants to up its game...it is going to take a much better effort at fundraising and private support. Hail to Pitt!
