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STREET LAW CLINIC FALL 2010 AT A GLANCE


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uring the Fall of 2010, ten law students participated in the Street Law Clinic (SLC). The law students created engaging lesson plans that


encouraged their students to grow emotionally and academically. All our classrooms had attorney guest speakers presenting on domestic violence. The law students coordinated field trips to observe Superior Court, visit our campus and to visit college campuses. Additionally, each SLC student met individually with their students to provide resources specific to each of their students needs in various areas including housing, education and employment. The SLC collaborates with community based organizations which


enables our law students to gain an understanding of the comprehensive range of services these agencies provide for at-risk youth including residential placements, on-grounds schools, mental health services, family preservation support and other programs helping children and families. Many of the teaching sites are non-public schools, which include programs for students with learning disabilities designed to meet each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Having the experience of teaching at these schools, law students better understand special education, students’ abilities and the challenges within the education system in Los Angeles. Last semester: n Jonathan Graham and Kyle Gurwell taught at the Hathaway- Sycamores Community School in Alta Dena.


n Kate Lawrence and R. Kamela Laird taught adolescent girls at Aviva High School in Hollywood.


n Deborah Kahn and Kristen Schwarz taught adolescent girls at the Joan Macy School in La Verne.


n Kevin Sexton and Shannon Wainwright taught at the Vista School, located in West Los Angeles.


n Fabianna Olivares and Allison Willhite taught our Street Law class at Amanecer Community Counseling Services.


It was a successful semester as we worked closely with these five


classrooms of high school students. During our classtime, in addition to preparing to teach and reviewing the law and the lesson plans, we visited Children’s Court to observe dependency proceedings, toured Central Juvenile Hall and observed delinquency proceedings at Eastlake Juvenile Court. We had many guest speakers from various legal aid agencies preparing the law students in their areas of expertise to help as they planned their own lessons. The law students each presented student-led demonstration teachings which enabled them to share creative lesson ideas with their fellow students. SLC students came away with knowledge of substantive law and


community resources, the ability to set realistic objectives and to plan lessons that achieve those objectives, and the ability to translate legal concepts so their students can understand. SLC students became more confident and effective public speakers, and will be more confident and effective lawyers.


FIRST ANNUAL SERVICE DAY S participate in Service Day Students sign-up to


outhwestern’s first annual Service Day, part of Diversity Week in the fall, was a huge success.


In addition to law student volunteers helping with various service projects during the day, we also held trainings for future volunteer work with homeless youth, small claims matters and expungement of records.


Southwestern’s Street Law Clinic (SLC) students teach critical legal life skills to high school students in our Los Angeles community under the supervision of Professor Laura Cohen. Law students step into the roles of teacher, mentor, and advocate to empower at-risk youth to make better choices, overcome adversity, and build stronger futures. The participatory lessons inform the teenagers about their rights and the laws that apply to them, and provide legal information and resources they need to successfully transition to independent living and adulthood.


SOUTHWESTERN’S PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM (PSP)


25 hours of pro bono public service in a year will receive a formal letter of recognition from the Dean. Furthermore, students who perform at least 75 hours of public service throughout their law school experience will be recognized at commencement ceremonies and a notation 'Public Service Distinction' will be placed on their law school transcript.


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To qualify, public service work must be: 1. performed under supervision of a licensed attorney or faculty member; 2. students may not receive compensation or academic credit; 3.work must be law related. We are always adding new PSP volunteer opportunities. Please visit


the “Southwestern Public Service Program” TWEN page for details or stop by the Legal Clinic. Timesheets must be turned in by March 25, 2011.


extraordinary dedication to public interest law activities while at Southwestern. The Woolverton Award is in the amount of $10,000. The Southwestern Public Interest Law Service Award is given annually to a graduating student or students other than the Woolverton Award recipient in recognition of demonstrated significant dedication to public interest law activities while at Southwestern.


PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS T


PUBLIC INTEREST OPPORTUNITIES


n Volunteers are needed for Teen Court. If you are available, contact Professor Cohen or look for future Teen Court dates through the program’s TWEN page.


n Because last year’s Justice Bus™ Spring Break tripwas so well received, we are doing another trip this year. This outreach program helps increase access to legal justice for underserved Californians. Our collaboration with One Justice includes two programs serving rural communities this spring: a day trip to Lancaster with NLS and Public Counsel, February 18, and the overnight trip to Paso Robles, March 31-April 1.


Teen Court in the Dixon Courtroom at Southwestern


outhwestern encourages all students to perform at least 25 hours of pro bono public service each academic year. Students who complete


he George and Katrina Woolverton Public Service Award is given annually to one graduating student in recognition of demonstrated


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