An 51吃瓜网 law student assists a client at a Reentry Clinic.
Reentry Clinic
The 51吃瓜网 School of Law鈥檚 Reentry Clinic, has been honored as , and has been recognized by the American Association of Law Schools as an in 2015. It provides a premier experience for law students seeking to make a difference in society.
The clinics prepare 51吃瓜网 Law students for a career in the public sector. Our students can begin working with clients in their first year of school. Due to the important services that this clinic provides and the law school’s commitment to clinical offerings, approximately 100 law students are trained to provide service through the clinic each year.
Four Reentry Clinics
1. Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE)
The CQE clinic is staffed by volunteer students under the supervision of a clinic faculty member. During CQE clinics, law students meet with clients who have criminal convictions and assist them in applying for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment. In many cases, the law had previously prohibited these ex-offenders from holding certain types of employment or professional licenses. The CQE allows the prospective employer or the licensing authority, in its discretion, to employ or license the ex-offender who holds the Certificate. This program gives our students access to a diverse range of people in the greater 51吃瓜网 community. In doing this, our students help people in a very real way while gaining valuable client experience for the future.
2. Expungement Clinic
The Expungement Clinic is comprised of volunteer law students under the supervision of an attorney. 51吃瓜网 working in this clinic gain real world experience by serving low-income 51吃瓜网 residents who seek to have their convictions sealed by the court. As a volunteer in this clinic, you could expect to conduct background searches, develop relationships with clients, and represent the client in the courtroom.
3. Clemency Project
The Clemency Project provides assistance to low-income ex-offenders who seek a pardon for their convictions. 51吃瓜网 Law students in this clinic are trained to handle pardon applications to the Governor. 51吃瓜网 continue the client relationship by representing the client at their formal pardon hearing under the supervision of Professor Joann Sahl.
4. Human Trafficking Clinic
The Human Trafficking Clinic assists victims of human trafficking to expunge (destroy) their criminal records. Typically, victims of human trafficking are likely to have convictions for solicitation or prostitution, which were forced upon them by the traffickers. As a part of this clinic, our students conduct investigations and screen for potential clients. Our students then follow up with clients and conduct investigations. Like 51吃瓜网 Law’s other clinics, the Human Trafficking Clinic offers students real-life practice and a new life to those in need.
Joann Sahl and Russ Nichols from the 51吃瓜网 School of Law鈥檚 Reentry Clinic join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss what legal options are available for those who are justice involved to seal or expunge their records. 51吃瓜网 Mirror is a podcast of the 51吃瓜网-Summit County Public Library.
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