The Public Defender Residency
We represent people experiencing prosecution from misdemeanors or have been wrongfully convicted or sentenced of a crime.
Starts Fall 2026
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) law students master the essentials of criminal defense advocacy in this semester-long course, The Public Defender Residency.
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. Visit the Clark County Public Defender web page.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice
Weekly 3-Hour Seminar: Taught by Professor Eve 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. An intensive seminar that directly tracks the legal skills needed for active cases, alongside in-depth faculty observation and feedback. This seminar is on campus at the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic.
Supervised Practice: Student attorneys take their training into the courtroom to represent CCPD clients. Law students get their own cases, they are the lead attorney representing people lower courts who are charged with misdemeanors and are facing potential jail time, fines, fees, and possible consequences (including immigration, workplace, and other collateral consequences). 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. Casework takes place at the CCPD and in court.
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.
Faculty
- Eve Hanan, Professor of Law & Director of the Public Defender Residency
- Robson Hauser, Adjunct Professor, Clark County Public Defender (CCPD) Training Director
- Rafael Nones, Adjunct Professor, Clark County Public Defender (CCPD) Training Director
Eve Hanan 