Disability Law Clinic
Professor Adrienne E. VolenikDirector of the Mental Disabilities Law Clinic, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law
Office: Clinic Office "B"
Office Hours: Vary According to Court Schedule
Phone: 289-8921
E-Mail: avolenik@richmond.edu
The Disability Law Clinic represents youth with mental and/or cognitive disabilities. Law students represent children and parents seeking appropriate special education and community-based services mandated by both federal and state law. They also represent youth with mental disabilites who 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, as well as administrative and court hearings. Third year students have been involved in litigation in both state and federal court. Both second and third year students have handled due process administrative hearings.
Student Stories
"I found the Mental Disabilities Clinic to be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my law school career. It gave me an opportunity to utilize some of the skills I have developed in law school. The clinic gave me a more accurate picture of what the law practice is like by allowing me to interact with clients, as well as with clerks, counsellors and judges. The clinic also gives students an opportunity to present and argue cases in court. Any student interested in gaining some practical experience practicing law, presenting arguments in court, and working with children and young adults should seriously consider participating in either the Youth Advocacy or Mental Disabilities Clinic."
Rolen Maddox,
L'02
"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 tru 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,
L'03
"The Mental Disabilities Clinic made me think long and hard about my clients. Some issues they faced: drug abuse, truancy, time in detention, and being placed on prescription drugs for their behavior. Clinic was hectic at times, but was a realistic glimpse of what it is to deal with, and try to obtain information from courts, attorneys, school administration, and doctors. Clinic utilized and tested the skills learned in law skills. Law skills gave me an outline of "what to do" as a lawyer. Clinic was an improvisational script of "how to be" a lawyer. The cases as well as the clinic students are constant works in progress. I learned so much about myself personally, and my capabilities as a lawyer. My semester in clinic is unforgettable."
Crystal Smith,
L'03
Related Links
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 Representatives