Clinical Law Prof Blog

Save the Date Announcement: National Symposium on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

This came across the lawclinic list serv.

 

Join Us for the 2009 National Symposium on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

The Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic are pleased to announce that our National Symposium will be held from June 1-2, 2009 in Washington, DC at the Georgetown University Law Center.

 

The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Why It is Time to Ratify

The focus of the 2009 Symposium, The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Why It is Time to Ratify, is to look at the Convention through the lens of its impact on U.S. children.  To facilitate a better understanding of the CRC?s applicability, we have organized six interactive panel discussions that will explore the Convention in the context of the following topics:

 

·         Education

·         Health

·         Needs, Rights, and the Human Family

·         Participation

·         Special Protection Measures

·         Supportive Environments for Children

 

The Symposium will bring together a multi-disciplinary group of experts representing the fields of child and human development, education, health/medicine, law, psychology, public policy, and social work.

 

Registration and Accommodations

To register for the Symposium, go to http://childrightscampaign.org/crcindex.php?sNav=events_snav.php&sDat=events_dat.php.

 

We look forward to seeing you in June!

MSU College of Law Alternative Spring Break Final Report

Michigan State University College of Law

Law Students’ Alternative Spring Break

New Orleans, LA

Posting for Thursday, March 12, 2009

Posted By:  Professor Michele LaForest Halloran, Director of Clinical Programs and Director of the Tax Clinic, MSU College of Law

From a 1-L student:

It has been an amazing trip so far.  I have been at the St. Bernard’s Parish location, which borders the 9th ward.  It is wonderful to see how the community has come together to support each other throughout the long process of rebuilding after Katrina.  The St. Bernard’s Community Center offers many services for the resilient community of the parish, ranging from furnishing clothing to providing hot meals.  Some of the people who come in haven’t paid their taxes since Katrina, and it is an honor to be able to help them get caught up and back on track.  

What people do not realize is that this is the only parish/county in the United States to ever be declared 100% destroyed.  The people we have met thus far are just happy to know that people still care about them and continue to provide help.  They want to stress that although there is a lack of coverage by the press, the recovery effort is nowhere near complete, and in fact far from it.  There are still people living in FEMA trailers, and others have yet to return to their homes; however, the residents remain hopeful as they try to put their lives back together.

Michigan State University College of Law

Law Students’ Alternative Spring Break

New Orleans, LA

Posting for Friday, March 13, 2009

Posted By:  Professor Michele LaForest Halloran, Director of Clinical Programs and Director of the Tax Clinic, MSU College of Law

From a 1-L student:

Prior to ASB, if someone asked me what I knew about post-Katrina Louisiana, I would probably have said, "Oh, I'm not sure. I assume things are pretty much back to normal."  I think this is a typical response, considering the hurricane rushed through over three years ago.  If someone now asked me what I knew about post-Katrina Louisiana, I would say, "These people need our help more than ever.  Over three years have gone by and so much still needs to be done."  Yesterday we drove around the St. Bernard Parish and parts of the 9th Ward.  I was speechless.  We drove down blocks and blocks where I could picture these small homes sitting three feet above the ground and about 15 feet apart from each other.  I could imagine small gardens in front of these homes with neighborhood children playing in their front yards.  These images made me smile, but that's all they were, my imagination.  What was really there was a newly built home beside a home that was completely destroyed on one side and an empty lot on the other side.  Some homes are marked, "Do Not Destroy."  Other homes remain with the FEMA markings on them indicating date of entry and how many people were found inside, dead or alive.  There were so many empty lots with debris everywhere, and I wondered, "Where are these families now?  Are they living in a FEMA trailer?  Are they homeless?  Who are these people?"  

 

I now know who these people are.  Volunteering for the St. Bernard Parish Community Center allowed me to meet real victims of the storm, and all these people want is for someone to hear their stories.  As I filled out the returns for people, the silence was very awkward, so I would ask if they were originally from Louisiana.  The minute I sounded interested in their lives, and I was, most people took my question and ran with it.  I was amazed by the stories people were telling me.  Everyone who came in to get their taxes completed was impacted by the hurricane.  They either evacuated in time, or they were in their homes when the water came rushing in.  In either situation, everyone lost so much.  A man came in today who had not filed his taxes since 2003, but he lost all his information in the storm.  Now what?  These are the real problems people are facing in Louisiana.  Some still live in FEMA trailers.  Others are back in their homes.  When people brought in their mortgage interest statements for the year, I asked if the money was used to improve their homes, and the responses generated even more information about their Katrina experiences.  Others have started their own businesses, considering many local businesses never recovered after the storm, and the worst thing for me was having to tell these people that they owe the government money because of self-employment taxes.  These people have very little, and to have to tell them that THEY owe money was very hard for me. 

 

If I can sum up this entire experience, I would want to say that it's been life changing.  No one will ever know exactly what these people have felt and experienced because of Hurricane Katrina.  The only thing we all can do is try to understand and help.  I saw a spray painted sign that read, "Please Help Our Community."  That's what we need to do.

MSU College of Law Alternative Spring Break Post #2

Michigan State University College of Law
Law Students’ Alternative Spring Break
    New Orleans, LA   
Posting for Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Posted By:  Professor Michele LaForest Halloran, Director of Clinical Programs and Director of the Tax Clinic, MSU College of Law
•    Today, Melissa and I did Gavin’s (not his real name) taxes.  Gavin is a recovering addict and a kind, gentle soul.  He regaled us all with his personal Katrina story of being evacuated from the New Orleans jail.  He was chained to other prisoners and had to wade out in the water.  After work, we took a tour of some hard-hit areas – it was distressing in many ways.  I feel good about being here – I am happy to be helping people who have gone through this.

•    Today we were able to meet more residents and got to hear their stories about life and the storm.  It’s really interesting hearing what people went through and to see how far they’ve come.  I never thought I would receive such insight from these individuals, but many of them have gone through so much and have turned their lives around, although they faced such adversity.  Needless to say, it was another great day.

•    This entry has little to do with tax, and more to do with New Orleans and its people.  I feel that this trip so far has given me a richer and more complete experience of the city.  I continue to be surprised by the openness of the people here.  The staff at our hotel shared their experience of Katrina and the efforts of the government in getting their lives together.  Simply put, they were not happy.  I have never heard anyone use the word “TERRIBLE” so many times in a conversation.  We also got a chance to tour the lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish and see the destruction Katrina left in its wake.  There were large sections of houses with water damage on the roofs from the flooding.  Regardless of all this destruction, there is a definite sense that people are attempting to return some sense of normalcy to their lives.

•    Today we got to hear stories about the Hurricane directly from members of the Gateway Recovery community.  In doing so, I realized how much of an impact we have on the people here – just by doing something simple, like helping with taxes.   Even more so, I realized how many things haven’t changed and how much can still be done with a little effort.  It is still shocking what a different world it is here, and I wish I could do more to help.  One important lesson I learned today was that advice can be as important as anything – this specific instance involved tax advice, but I think the principle applies across the board.  We are able to learn life lessons from New Orleans residents, and in some way, big or small, we are able to teach them too.

•    The stories we have heard from members of the Gateway Recovery Center are some of the most captivating stories I have ever heard.  I will never get tired of hearing these stories.  The novelty of tax returns has passed with time, but a new group of clients has presented a new challenge.  The challenge of today was to inform the clients that they owed the IRS money.  Before today, we only dealt with clients who were receiving refunds.  As you can imagine, telling a client he owes money elicits a different response from the joyous responses of the previous day.  Even faced with this adversity, the residents of Gateway Recovery remained positive and friendly.  Today, we counseled the clients on possible payment options they could take advantage of to repay their tax debts.  Specifically, we suggested that they contact the IRS about an installment plan.  Additionally, we suggested possible steps the residents could take to change the amount of tax withheld from their yearly earnings.  These steps would allow them to avoid having to pay the IRS such a large amount of tax at the end of 2009.

Michigan State University College of Law Law Students’ Alternative Spring Break

New Orleans, LA March 9 through March 14, 2009
Posted By:  Professor Michele LaForest Halloran, Director of Clinical Programs and Director of the Tax Clinic, MSU College of Law

Twelve MSU Law students have generously given up their usual “spring break” rest and fun for a commitment to provide service to the working poor in New Orleans.  The students are divided between two locations, one at the Community Center of St. Bernard Parish in Arabi, LA, the other at Gateway in Harvey, LA, a treatment center for veterans and others suffering from alcohol and substance abuse.   Instead of providing the type of services often found in the New Orleans area these days – cleanup and home building – these students are preparing tax returns for residents, the vast majority of whom are under the poverty level. 

Before assembling for Alternative Spring Break, each of the law students passed a complex examination to become certified as a volunteer income tax preparer through the Internal Revenue Service.  Following is commentary from the students and one of their attorney supervisors after their first day at work; we plan to add to this commentary each day.

Monday, March 9, 2009

• Per usual, the first day of preparing taxes in New Orleans was hectic but satisfying.  The continuous scramble of trying to set up the computer system was an onerous task.  Once we had the system set up, however, everything ran smoothly.  Helping the Gateway residents with their taxes was rewarding.

• Being at Gateway today was exciting.  The day started by getting set up and getting to know several of the office employees.  Everyone was generous, accommodating, and especially patient as we worked out the kinks on our first day.  Now that we have a routine figured out, things are running smoother, and I have high hopes for the rest of the week.

• When everything was worked out with computers, printers, and local networking, we waited for the rush of eager taxpayers.  When word got out, we got to work.  It was nerve wracking at first, but after a few returns, I felt calm and confident in the work we were doing.  If I could have done one thing different to prepare, it would have been to have had advocacy practice at school before we flew out.   I am looking forward to tomorrow.

• Although things started slowly, once things picked up, I got to apply my years of tax education in a practical way.  Actually, doing this is a lot different than reading cases, and I enjoyed practicing my tax knowledge in a one-on-one client-based manner.

• Well, I was very nervous going in to do taxes today.  Granted, I’ve always done my own, but in this case, I was dealing with other people’s information and ensuring they properly file their returns.  Fortunately, though, after the first return, my fears were eased, and preparing taxes wasn’t that bad.  Everyone is so grateful for our help and it’s been rewarding thus far.

• Our first day of working in NOLA was finally here!  The experience of working with our clients continues to be exciting and has been extremely satisfying.  It feels great to help good people in unfortunate situations help themselves.  The team camaraderie has been great!  I look forward to Day Two.

• We serviced 18 residents at Gateway and 8 residents at the St. Bernard Parish community center on Monday, the first day.  Word has a tendency to spread like wildfire around here (at Gateway), and I expect an onslaught of clients the rest of the week.  We also took information about a number of residents with existing tax controversies, and will be taking those materials back to our tax clinical program to initiate representation of those taxpayers as clients.  This is the most rewarding experience – the sincere gratitude expressed by those whom we have served – the smiles on their faces – are the best, and only, rewards! 

Job Posting - University of Denver Sturm College of Law - Assistant Director, Legal Internship Program

University of Denver Sturm College of Law– Assistant Director, Legal

Internship

Program

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law invites applications for the position of Assistant Director, Legal

Internship

Program. The Assistant Director, working with the Director of the Legal

Internship

Program, the Director of the Student Law Office and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs counsels and advises students on internship opportunities.  The Assistant Director also assists in administering and overseeing all field placements, educating and training field supervisors and conducting site visits, supervising associated adjunct faculty and administrative staff; developing and implementing internship policies and procedures, and developing the internship seminar curricula. The Assistant Director will be expected to teach at least one of the internship seminars each semester and work with other faculty and centers within the College of Law and University, as well as stakeholders in the community, in our efforts to develop in students the art of lawyering, provide opportunities integrating substantive learning with the practice of law, and promote the ethical practice of law.  The Assistant Director will be expected to model the highest levels of professionalism, reflective practice, and commitment to academic excellence.

The Legal

Internship

Program at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law is one of the largest internship programs in the country, with over 400 students participating in internships each academic year.  Students may participate in internships with organizations in the public, private and social sectors. 

This is a 12 month position.

Preferred Qualifications:  Clinical Teaching experience is strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:  JD; applicants must have at least five (5) years of legal experience.

Required Qualifications:  Must possess strong academic credentials.  Applicants must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or willing to seek admission.

Special Instructions: Application procedure and materials:  Applicants should submit the following materials through https://www.dujobs.org/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1236025984044

1.  Cover letter describing your prior legal, teaching, and other relevant experience; your aspirations regarding this position and any other information relevant for assessing your potential as a seminar teacher and Assistant Director; 

2. Detailed resume;

3. A list of at least three references.

UW Law: Prof. Robinson-Dorn Promoted to Associate Professor

UW Clinical Program Director Prof. Deborah Maranville has announced:

I’m thrilled to report that the University of Washington Law School faculty has voted to promote Michael Robinson-Dorn to Associate Professor WOT.  (That’s a “tenure-in-position” status that  is evaluated under the same standards as our regular tenure lines.) 

For those of you who don’t know him, Mike directs our Berman Environmental Law Clinic.  He is a tireless advocate on environmental issues, the executive producer of a film The Third Trustee on  the effect of the Exxon Valdez spill on the Alaska Native communities  (a copy of the law school version of the film for educational use should be arriving in your mailboxes shortly), and a member of the CLEA board. Congratulations, Mike!

-jl

Spring 2009 Workshop - National Institute for Teaching Ethics and Professionalism

Fellowship applications are now open for the first of two 2009 NIFTEP workshops. The Spring 2009 Workshop will take place from Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26 at the Red Top Mountain Lodge which is located about 40 miles northwest of Atlanta. Attendance at this highly participatory event is limited to invited speakers and to those selected to be Spring 2009 NIFTEP Fellows. (Prior NIFTEP Fellows are welcome to apply for this workshop.) You must apply on-line from the NIFTEP web site. Fellowships are typically granted either to full-time law professors who teach legal ethics or to practitioners actively involved in ethics CLE education and professionalism programs; however, any person committed to promoting ethics and professionalism may apply. Fellows are reimbursed for their travel expenses; there is no charge for the workshop.  (Applications will open next fall for the second workshop, scheduled for November 6 - 8, 2009.)

NIFTEP will begin reviewing fellowship applications on March 18 so you are encouraged to apply by March 17 for the limited number of fellowships. -jl

UT Knoxville: Prof. Quinn Wins Outstanding Teacher Award and Granted Tenure

Belated posting of good news recently delivered by UT Knoxville's Director of Clinical Programs, Prof. Ben Barton:

Two pieces of excellent news for Mae Quinn.  First, at last Friday's [2/13/09] law school awards dinner Mae was the winner of the Harold C. Warner Outstanding Teacher Award.  The students choose one winner each year and the award is the highest honor for teaching at the law school.  Having taught with Mae since she's been here I can say it was richly deserved. Second, the faculty voted this week to grant Mae tenure!  It was a unanimous vote, and also well earned.  So, it's been a banner week for Mae and our clinical programs! 

-jl