FAQs for Community Members & Prospective Clients

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  • What is the Access to Justice Clinic?

    This Clinic is a teaching law firm, which means that law students work directly on cases under the supervision of a licensed attorney, Professor Cassie Powell.

  • Who is eligible for representation by the A2J Clinic?

    The Clinic generally represents families and individuals below 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines, in line with most legal aid organizations. Very rarely, we may take cases outside the 200% limit in exceptionally high need matters. The Clinic does not limit eligibility based on citizenship status. We generally only accept cases within the Richmond metro area, with some rare exceptions. For more information about Federal Poverty guidelines, visit https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines.

  • What types of cases does the Clinic handle?

    The Clinic provides legal services in landlord-tenant matters, public benefits matters, including Social Security, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicare, and unemployment insurance, family law matters, including custody, no-fault divorce, and uncontested guardianship matters, and education law matters, including special education and school discipline matters. The Clinic generally does not assist in real estate or contested divorce or guardianship cases.

  • How do I become a client with the A2J Clinic?

    Because we are a teaching law firm, we have limited capacity to take on cases. Additionally, due to the high need in housing, public benefits, education, and family law matters, we do not have capacity to take cases from community members seeking legal assistance without a referral. The A2J Clinic receives client referrals from local legal aids and partner agencies. If you are seeking legal assistance, please contact your local legal aid organization. Resources for legal assistance can be found in the Resources tab.

  • How much does the Clinic charge clients?

    All work the Clinic does on behalf of clients is free. Clients may have to pay for filing fees or other costs associated with their case. If that is necessary, we will let the client know in advance.

  • Does the Clinic operate and take clients year-round?

    Because we are a teaching law firm, we primarily take cases during the spring and fall semesters and significantly limit new cases in the summer and winter.