In the beginning, it did not appear that two young Yale Law School students—trying their first-ever case in court—would have much of a chance going up against an attorney with more than 25 years of experience.

Shannon Price, who teamed up with Nathan Leys to represent a New Haven tenant who was living with an infestation of mice and roaches, said she saw the task ahead as daunting and challenging. After all, Kensington Square Apartments is one of New Haven’s largest landlords, and its lawyer, Glastonbury-based solo practitioner Michael Clinton, has been an attorney before Price was even born.