GIVING BACK
More than 200 federal and state tax returns prepared through the pro bono Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in 2017.
$12,500 donated to two local charities that support victims of domestic violence via proceeds from Women in Law’s Pub Night.
FREE KU CLINIC HELPS CLIENTS EXPUNGE CRIMINAL RECORDS People who have been arrested or convicted of crimes often face barriers to employment, housing or other opportunities — even long after they have served their sentences. KU Law’s Legal Aid Clinic opened more than 50 cases for such clients through its inaugural “Clean Slate” Expungement Clinic in February. The free clinic connected KU Law student and faculty advocates with community members to determine their eligibility and help them make a fresh start. An expungement seals an arrest record or conviction from public view, with certain exceptions. “In many cases, people are eligible to petition for expungement but haven’t been able to because they need help navigating the legal system or cannot afford the legal fees,” said Meredith Schnug, associate director of the Legal Aid Clinic. “This clinic can help obtain a fresh start for people who meet the requirements of the expungement laws and who qualify for free legal services.” Clinic students and faculty filed petitions in Douglas County District Court and Lawrence Municipal Court for eligible clients, and provided advice and counsel for those not yet eligible for expungement. The number of clients whose records were ultimately expunged will be known this summer after all court hearings are finalized. The Legal Aid Clinic offers students the opportunity to fine-tune their lawyering skills in a fast-paced, live-client setting by representing low-income clients under the careful guidance and thoughtful teaching of supervising attorneys.
$2,200 in stipends for students in public service internships raised during Public Interest Law Society’s Casino Night. KU Law students Kriston Guillot, Sarah Nelson, Tyler Reese, Zach Peterson, Heather Ford, Brian Vanorsby, Erica McCabe, Max McGraw and Yarhmaan Peerbaccus assisted clients during the Legal Aid Clinic’s inaugural “Clean Slate” Expungement Clinic.
KU LAW MAGAZINE 5
