The cases are all family law cases such as divorce, guardianship, custody, or adoption. Each student works on one case only until completion and then may volunteer for another case. The type of work the student performs and the experiences the student will have may vary. In the past students have attended the initial client interviews at the attorney's office, prepared pleadings, conducted legal research and attended court proceedings. Student participants have indicated that the experience was very rewarding and worthwhile and allowed them to see how a private attorney handles a family law matter.
Students also benefit from observing the activities in a private law office and in the courtroom.
In order to volunteer, the law student must have completed his or her first year of law school and be a student in good standing. In most cases the law student will need to have transportation in order to go to the attorney's office and attend court. Students can download two forms, the Pro Bono Project Interest Sheet and the Student Agreement for Participation in the Southern Illinois Regional Family Law Pro Bono Project , here or fill them out at the legal Clinic. Case assignments are made as they become available. For more information on this program, e-mail the clinic or just stop by and direct questions to Shekera Shahid, student assistant, or Laurie Holley, one of the secretaries in the Legal Clinic.