FAQs for Students

Expand All
  • What is the Access to Justice Clinic?

    The A2J Clinic is a clinical program at Richmond Law starting in the Fall of 2024. Here, students will learn civil litigation skills while working on cases on behalf of clients with limited incomes in a variety of areas, including housing, public benefits, and family law. Students will develop an understanding of clients’ challenges in navigating the legal system and learn how to incorporate A2J solutions into their professional lives.

     

  • What kinds of cases will students work on in the A2J Clinic?

    Students will work on a variety of cases, possibly including defending tenants against evictions in private, subsidized, and public housing; administrative appeals in public benefits cases, including nutrition assistance, Medicaid and Medicare, unemployment, and Social Security; and family law cases, including divorces, custody, and guardianship matters. Students may also have an opportunity to work on education law cases and draft simple powers of attorney and wills. The specific cases the clinic undertakes each semester will be determined by student interest and local need.

  • Who can participate in the A2J Clinic?

    Because this clinic will provide opportunities for courtroom practice, 3Ls with their third year practice certificate are preferred. However, 2Ls with a demonstrated interest in the types of cases the clinic covers will also be considered.

  • What skills can students expect to learn from the A2J Clinic?

    Students will develop skills in client interviewing, case management, trial advocacy, negotiation, witness preparation, document review, case investigation, legal research, and advising clients.

  • What is the time commitment and credit hours for the A2J Clinic?

    Students should expect to work 17-20 hours per week. The Clinic is six credit hours.

  • Are there prerequisites for the A2J Clinic?

    There are no required prerequisites, but Family Law, Evidence, and Virginia Procedure are helpful courses.

  • Will students work on other projects in addition to their cases?

    Students’ primary work will be on their cases. Students will also work with a local community partner to provide accessible legal information and materials to their staff and clients on a specific issue.

  • Is there an advanced A2J Clinic option?

    After students complete the regular Clinic, students may be eligible to participate in the Advanced A2J Clinic for 1 – 4 credits, either P/F or for a grade. Students do not have to attend the seminar portion and may continue to work with their clients from the prior semester. This is an excellent opportunity for students to continue to grow their skills following the foundations of the first semester. 

  • Who is the Director of the A2J Clinic?

    Professor Cassie Powell, Esq., MSW is the Director for the clinic. Professor Powell comes to UR Law after several years in practice as a legal aid attorney working in housing, public benefits, family, and education law. In her practice, Professor Powell used civil litigation, legislative advocacy, and community lawyering tools to advance the rights of low-income Virginians. Professor Powell is committed to ensuring the students in her clinic have a supportive and positive environment to learn while being challenged to develop innovative solutions to the legal needs faced by their clients.

     

    Still have questions? Contact Professor Powell at cassie.powell@richmond.edu