New Semester, New Projects

We have added two new volunteer opportunities this semester.  The first one is the Homeless Court- Case Preparation Project. Volunteers will be assigned by the 5th Circuit Public Defender’s Office to a case that is pending before the Homeless Court. With some guidelines in hand the volunteer will seek information, interview the client, contact the service providers and do what is necessary to prepare the case for a hearing before the Homeless Court.  There is even a possibility that the volunteer can help present the information gathered to the Court. The Homeless Court meets at 2 at Transitions on the last Tuesday of each month.

The other new project also involves the 5th Circuit Public Defender’s Office- a Special Research Project. Volunteers will work in teams to collect information about topical resources, assemble into a coherent package and draft next steps for clients. Topics range from common Family Court  issues such as custody, visitation and divorce; Section 8 housing; and expungement.  These Need-To-Know materials will be valuable resource with several projects now and in the future.

Both projects have full job descriptions on the Pro Bono Website at: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/law/internal/department/pro_bono/student/index.php

Sign up to volunteer online: http://support.uofsclaw.org/pro-bono-program/volunteer-enrollment-form/

10th Incoming Law Student Community Service Project

10 years ago we had the idea that starting law school was also about starting your career off on the right foot- engaged in service and your community!  The results have been 10 years of almost 300 students, peer mentors, faculty and staff heading out on a Friday afternoon in August for an afternoon of old-fashioned community service.  The 14 sties save up projects that have included shredding, painting, moving boxes, mowing grass, planting trees, removing ivy (yuck) and everything in between.  It can be  hot and sweaty but the abundance of smiles and appreciation is boundless.

This year the Community Service Project will take place on August 24th and leading the way will be Dean Wilcox

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Details and one reminder! NO FLIP FLOPS or short shorts!  Safety first

Service Project Information

Summer Friday Blitz

Yes, it is hot outside!  Come in and cool off on August 3rd (anytime from 1:30-5) at the SC Bar Building to help us respond to questions posted online by members of the public. The goal: get the backlog down to ZERO!

  1. I can assure you that you will learn something
  2. I promise a laugh or two
  3. I promise an extra special summer food treat
  5. Here is the link to sign up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0445a8a82ea1fc1-friday

Help needed with the HELP Clinic and DATA

Twice a month the Richland County Bar Public Service Committee conducts the HELP Clinic to provide legal advice to the local homeless population. Law Students are encouraged to assist by conducting the intake interviews. The HELP Clinic is from 8:30-10 on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Contact the Pro Bono Program and we will send you the information and link for signing up.
As part of the HELP Clinic, the Intake Forms are sent to the Pro Bono Program for data compilation.  This is a place where two volunteers are needed.  The good news! This can be done anytime you want to come to the building.  We can make the files to be entered and the database available to you! evenings, Sunday afternoon, whatever works for you.  A simple matter of giving you access to the Pro Bono Program office if during non-regular work hours.
we have a bit of a backlog so help is needed ASAP. Once school starts we will only have 10-15 intake forms a month to enter.  Does not take long but I can’t say that it is exciting but definitely appreciated!
The data we compile helps the Public Service Committee plan for future efforts and to keep track of the issues clients are facing
Contact Pam Robinson today if you can help!  mailto:Robinspd@law.sc.edu

Big Crowd at the next Friday Blitz

We have an abundance of attorneys for our next Friday Blitz but a short supply of law students!  This is a great opportunity to help the public, learn a little law, work as a team, and get grounded!  The Friday Blitz is where we work as teams responding to questions posted online by the public.  Sometimes the question is serious, sometimes complicated and sometimes just plain hilarious! The Friday Blitz is never dull!  On June 15th we will meet at Bluestein Attorneys on Taylor Street from 2:30-5.  All information and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0445a8a82ea1fc1-friday