Law students in the Education Rights Clinic (formerly the Disability Law Clinic) represent children and parents seeking appropriate special education and community-based services mandated by both federal and state law. Students also represent youth with mental disabilities who are before the juvenile court or are incarcerated or institutionalized.
Clinic students may be appointed guardians ad litem for children with mental health needs in the justice system. Students are actively engaged in interviewing, counseling, negotiation, fact investigation, community and school meetings, and administrative and court hearings.
Third year students have been involved in litigation in both state and federal courts. Both second and third year students have handled due process administrative hearings.
Special Education Resources
Virginia Dept. of Education Office of Special Education and Student Services
U.S. Dept. of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
United States House of RepresentativesProfessor Adrienne E. Volenik
Director of the Education Rights Clinic, Clinical Professor of Law
Office: Clinic Office "B"
Office Hours: Vary According to Court Schedule
Phone: (804) 289-8921
E-mail: avolenik@richmond.edu
Jessie Munn
Administrative Assistant, Law Clinics
Phone: 804-289-8921
Email: jmunn@richmond.edu
"I think what the clinic showed me was what it was like to be a defendant, specifically one who really doesn't know what has happened to him/her or why. I want to be a prosecutor someday, but I want to be a fair one. I think the clinic made me aware of what goes on in the lives of the defendants. I truly believe that my experience in the clinic will make me a wiser, more compassionate prosecutor. I really couldn't have asked for better insight!" Kristin Puma, Law Student