W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic

Student Attorneys Advocating for Children

The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas, represents abused and neglected children in Dallas County. The clinic is appointed by the Juvenile District Courts to serve as Guardian/Attorney ad litem for children. Student attorneys, under the supervision of the clinic director, are responsible for determining the best interests of the children and representing the children's voice in court.

Diane M. Sumoski, Esq.

Director/Supervising Attorney of the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic, Director of the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Institute for Children's Rights, and Associate Clinical Professor.

“The Clinic students are dedicated to their child clients, excited about the practice of law, and fully appreciative of the importance of advocating for these most vulnerable members of our community. At the Clinic, we know that these child clients are our future, and they deserve to grow up in a safe, healthy, and loving home. Representing these clients, while teaching, working with, and supervising these SMU law students in their first venture into law practice is about the most immensely fulfilling and invigorating opportunity I’ve had in my 30+ year law career.”