Student Testimonials

Grace Beasley (Class of 2027)

“Being in the SMU Federal Taxpayers Clinic has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time in law school. The clinic provided a unique opportunity to step beyond the classroom and apply legal concepts in a real-world setting, working directly with clients who genuinely needed assistance navigating complex tax issues.

Through this experience, I developed practical skills that are difficult to replicate in a traditional academic environment, including client interviewing, problem-solving, and communicating complicated legal and financial concepts in a clear and accessible way. More importantly, the clinic reinforced the importance of public service and the role lawyers can play in making the legal system more equitable and approachable.

Working alongside Professor Mitchell and the other clinic students, I gained confidence in my ability to handle responsibility and advocate effectively on behalf of clients. It is an experience I would highly recommend to any student looking to gain hands-on legal experience while making a tangible impact in the community.”

Ashlyn Feeney (Class of 2027)

“Working in the SMU Federal Tax Clinic was a very valuable and rewarding experience. It offered hands-on learning, allowing me to work directly on real cases rather than just studying concepts in a classroom. Additionally, tax students are given a great level of responsibility as you are assigned your own clients and take an active role in representing them in disputes with the IRS.

Through this experience, I gained a wide range of practical legal skills, including drafting documents, negotiating with the IRS, and working on matters like Offers-in-Compromise and installment agreements. I also developed strong interpersonal skills by communicating directly with clients and helping them navigate difficult and often stressful situations.”

Fernanda Huerta (Class of 2027)

“The SMU Federal Tax Clinic has been one of the few experiences in law school where I’ve been able to take real ownership of legal work from start to finish. Working directly with clients navigating complex and often stressful situations with the IRS has pushed me to think critically, stay organized, and approach problems with both precision and empathy.

What made the experience especially impactful for me was seeing how much clarity and structure can change a client’s situation. Whether helping a client understand their options or working toward a resolution with the IRS, I saw firsthand how thoughtful advocacy can make a tangible difference. Overall, the clinic has helped me grow not only as a future attorney, but as someone who can approach complex problems with confidence and practical judgment.”

Jayson McKinley (Class of 2026)

“Working in the SMU Federal Tax Clinic was one of the most rewarding experiences of my law school career. Under the supervision of Professor Mitchell, I had the opportunity to represent real clients before the IRS, which gave me extremely valuable hands-on experience.

Beyond gaining technical knowledge, I learned how to explain tax concepts in plain language and how to help clients feel heard and supported during stressful situations. Seeing the tangible impact of our work reinforced why I went to law school in the first place. The SMU Federal Tax Clinic was an invaluable bridge between the classroom and real-world practice.”