Dean Salkin stated, “Leif has played an integral role in our clinical program for several years and I am pleased that he will be serving as acting director. His enthusiasm, knowledge and teaching skills are unmatched and will be a real asset to our students and our program.”

Touro Law’s clinical program is designed to teach skills required for effective advocacy and is an integral part of the educational process. For most law students, participation in the clinical program is the first opportunity to practice law, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities while honing essential professional skills. Currently, Touro Law offers eight clinical programs available to students including Advanced Bankruptcy Clinic, Civil Rights Litigation Clinic, Disaster Relief Clinic, Elder Law Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Mortgage Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Clinic, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law Clinic, and Veterans’ and Service members’ Rights Clinic.

“I am honored to be appointed as Acting Clinical Director and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” stated Rubinstein. “I am immersed in Touro Law’s clinical program and committed to ensuring continued hands-on learning opportunities for our students while serving the community. I believe that law school should prepare graduates for the actual practice of law and clinics are an important component of that preparation. I look forward to continuing Touro Law’s tradition of providing valuable hands-on opportunities for students while ensuring the highest standards in learning, practice and service.”

In addition to his duties in the clinic this summer, Rubinstein has been researching clinical programs at law schools throughout the country to understand national trends and discover new developments in clinical legal education. He stated, “I am passionate about legal education and experiential learning. Even before I was appointed acting director of the clinics, I have been engaged in gathering information and comparing and contrasting programs for the benefit of law students. I have visited more than a dozen schools and plans to visit another 6-10 in the coming months. I hope to bring some useful information and new perspective to Touro Law to benefit our programs and students.”

Marianne Artusio has taken a two-year leave of absence as Clinic Director to take on the role of Founding Director of the newly created Longevity and Aging Law Institute at Touro Law. During this time she will continue to direct the Elder Law Clinic and she will spearhead Touro Law Center’s national focus on longevity and aging law.