Category: Pro Bono / Community Service

The Public Action Law Society at the University of Memphis is hosting the Fifth Annual Alternative Spring Break Program in March 2014.  The Alternative Spring Break Program has grown each year, and we anticipate hosting over eighty students from law schools across the nation for this year’s program.  Participants will have the opportunity to work with clients in one of seven specialized pro bono tracks, ranging from advanced directives to immigration.  One of this year’s tracks is a research and writing track that will give students the opportunity to work with the Shelby County Juvenile Court to draft documents in connection with reforms to the juvenile justice system focused on the protection of the constitutional rights of children appearing before the Shelby County Juvenile Court.  The reformed Shelby County juvenile justice system is expected to provide a model for juvenile courts across the nation.  Additional information about the Alternative Spring Break Program is available at http://memphis.edu/law/career/asb-2014.php.

The application deadline for the Alternative Spring Break Program is January 17, 2014.  A limited number of scholarships may be awarded to out-of-town students to cover hotel costs.

The University of Akron Law School Clemency Project seeks additional volunteers. The Clemency Project assists low-income clients with a pardon application to the Ohio governor. Volunteers work no more than one hour per week on their cases. Volunteers would need to commit to two semesters in the clinic. This opportunity is available to full and part-time students. If you are interested in volunteering for the clinic, or would like additional information, please contact Professor Joann Sahl, jsahl1@uakron.edu.

On Saturday, November 16, 2013, The Summit Special Olympics Athletic Club (SSOAC) is sponsoring its 9th annual memorial invitational swim meet in honor of former team member, Brooke McMahan.  The meet will be held at the University of Akron ONAT located on campus.  SSOAC is a Summit County DODD and family supported swim team that competes regionally in Ohio Special Olympics swim meets.   A number of other area Special Olympics swim teams will participate at this event.  SSOAC  needs volunteers to help during this event in a variety of areas, including lunch distribution, timekeeper, runner, athlete assistant and companion, and the like. Together, we will be able to help these special athletes enjoy a fun-filled day of training and competition.  If you are interested, contact Professor Shaver at eas68@uakron.edu.

Volunteers are needed to help serve lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hope Café, 335 E South St, Akron, OH 44311. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Wilkins, kaw0727@yahoo.com or 330-375-1623.

Mock Trial  Tournament Judges

Case Western Reserve University’s Undergraduate Mock Trial tournament, the Spartan Throwdown, will be held at the Justice Center in downtown Cleveland November 9^th and 10^th. There are two trials each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Breakfast, coffee, and lunch is provided both days for all judges. Judges are not required to attend all rounds. Please sign up for any rounds for which you are available to judge. The schedule is below:

Saturday, November 9^th

8:00AM                Judges arrive

8:15AM                Judges briefing, room assignments

9:00AM                1^st Round Trials begin

12:30PM              Lunch

1:00PM                Judges briefing, room assignments

2:00PM                2^nd Round Trials begin

5:30PM                Trials Close

Sunday, November 10^th

8:00AM                Judges briefing, room assignments

8:30AM                3^rd Round Trials begin

12:00PM              Lunch

12:30PM              Judges briefing, room assignments

1:00PM                4^th Round Trials begin

4:30PM                Trials Close

Please email erin.law@case.edu for more information or to sign up to judge a round. All participation is appreciated!