The University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth is proud to announce the formation of two new clinics for its students, thanks to strategic partnerships with the State Attorney General’s Office and South Coastal Counties Legal Services.
The development of legal skills and ethical values is central to a legal education, and clinics provide a prime way for law students to put lessons in the classroom into action on behalf of clients. At UMass Law,100% of students are guaranteed either clinic or internship experience.
“As the Commonwealth’s public law school, with a mission to pursue justice, UMass Law plays a unique role in training the next generation of legal and community leaders in Massachusetts and beyond,” said Dean Sam Panarella. “The creation of these two new clinics builds on this commitment and provides our students with practical and hands-on opportunities to gain legal experience while still in school. I am grateful to Attorney General Campbell and to Executive Director Oldi for their partnership and demonstrated commitment to UMass Law’s mission.”
State Attorney General’s Clinic
Starting this spring, UMass Law students will have the opportunity to work on legal matters under the guidance of skilled lawyers in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, choosing an area of interest such as consumer protection, litigation, and tax.
“I am thrilled that my office will be partnering with the Commonwealth’s only public law school to provide students with an opportunity to gain on-the-job experience at the Attorney General’s Office and assist us in serving the people of Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I want to thank the leadership of UMass Law, especially Dean Panarella, for partnering with us on this exciting opportunity.“
Students will work in the Boston Office of the Attorney General and will learn the role of a government lawyer and the ethical obligations that government lawyers encounter.
“Working with the State Attorney General’s Office presents a unique opportunity—students will learn first-hand how the state’s law firm represents the Commonwealth’s interests,” said Clinic Director and Associate Professor, Margaret Drew. “They’ll learn substantive law in their respective divisions, conduct research, and write memoranda of law required for pending matters, learning professionalism in the context of government lawyering.”
Housing and Eviction Defense Clinic
Beginning this fall, UMass Law partnered with South Coastal County Legal Services (SCCLS) to form a clinic that allows students to represent indigent clients who are facing eviction or have other tenant legal concerns. Students will work directly with clients and supervising attorneys and will appear in court.
“SCCLS is thrilled to partner with UMass Law School on this important initiative,” said SCCLS Executive Director Christopher Oldi. “The Housing Clinic not only expands our ability to provide critical legal assistance to low-income individuals and families facing housing insecurity in Southeastern Massachusetts, but it also invests in the future of public interest attorneys interested in the critical area of housing law.“
Drew added, “Housing insecurity is a major concern in the SouthCoast and nationally. Working with SCCLS, our students will build their own cases and prepare for housing court hearings and mediations, skills they’ll use throughout their legal careers.”
