Information for Students

In the Access to Justice Clinic, students 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. Under the close and supportive supervision of Professor Cassie Powell, students interview and counsel clients, negotiate with opposing parties, conduct legal research, draft pleadings and memoranda, and represent clients before area courts and administrative agencies. Students meet weekly with Professor Powell to discuss their casework and develop civil practice skills. In the corresponding seminar class, students consider and discuss broader themes of access to justice, including how poverty creates systemic barriers for clients in achieving justice.

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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. At the beginning of the semester, the Director will ask students about the areas of law they are most interested in and match students and cases accordingly. However, students may not receive cases in the area of law they wish, as cases are determined by 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. 2Ls may advocate for clients in some administrative hearings, and may also gain skills in interviewing and counseling clients, legal research, and legal writing.
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 have the opportunity to work on projects with local partners, such as local legal aid organizations, or participate in clinics or community events related to the course themes.
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

Rebecca Seeger, L’25

“Participating in the Access to Justice Clinic was the highlight of my law school experience. Building foundational skills for real-world legal practice—such as client interviewing, strategy development, case management, and court document drafting—under the supervision of a teacher as supportive, experienced, and committed to student learning as Professor Powell is an immeasurably valuable opportunity. Serving clients in the Richmond community with limited income who otherwise may not be able to retain counsel to support them in navigating significant civil legal problems makes the A2J Clinic experience all the more meaningful.”

Liza Garrity, L’25

“In the Access to Justice clinic, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the civil legal system and better understand its impact on low-income clients. For clinic cases, my partner and I had ownership over conducting legal research, developing case strategies, and building relationships with our clients. Prof. Powell guided us and shared her experiences in legal aid. By the time I appeared in court, I felt well-supported and prepared to advocate on behalf of our client. Our seminar discussions provided context for our case work and exposed me to new practice areas. The clinic has been the highlight of my time at law school.”

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