Most of LSIC's civil litigation cases involve representing tenants in the Landlord and Tenant Branch and plaintiffs or defendants in the Small Claims Branch of the D.C. Superior Court. Landlord and tenant/housing cases are complex, with many intricate twists and turns. Issues involve mainly property and contract law, but can intersect with receiverships, torts, administrative law, guardianship and probate and bankruptcy. For many tenants, LSIC students are often the only source of legal information and assistance. Representation in small claims cases usually involves consumer issues. LSIC also handles a small number of regular Civil Division cases.

The program emphasizes "real world" litigation practice. LSIC offers a learning environment in which students benefit from a one-on-one working relationship with a supervisor who is an experienced trial attorney. Supervision and the clinic seminar classes are geared toward litigation and the skills necessary for effective lawyering. Both the class and supervision components of the program are also designed to promote reflection on what the role of the lawyer can and should be.

LSIC is a two-semester clinic in which students are responsible for all aspects of their cases, including initial interviews, investigation, research, preparation of pleadings, motion practice, and trial preparation. Students gain a basic working knowledge of substantive law, court rules and procedures, as well as important advocacy skills.