A new clinic focused on supporting non-incarcerated pro se litigants (those representing themselves) is set to launch at Boston College of Law this fall.
The clinic will navigate federal civil cases in the District of Massachusetts, including those involving employment discrimination, civil rights, social security benefits and labor law, providing free advice and limited-scope legal assistance to clients.
Professor Jeffrey Cohen, a former federal prosecutor, is set to mentor the first cohort of students to work at the clinic.
“I am thrilled to be able to help bring this pro se clinic to BC Law,” Cohen said. “Not only will the clinic help clients who are in desperate need of assistance to vindicate viable claims, but it will also offer students the unique experience of practicing in federal court and make BC Law a common presence in the Moakley Courthouse.”
The clinic was approved following a successful grant proposal led by the school’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL). The grant will cover a two-year pilot run, with the possibility for renewal thereafter.
“Our success is based on a tradition of educating lawyers through theory and practice and shaping leaders prepared to grapple with society’s most important moral and ethical questions,” said Claire Donohue, associate dean for experiential learning. “Consistent with the mission of BC Law to provide the highest quality integrated graduate and professional education, the CEL provides a diverse set of experiential learning opportunities in classroom, clinical and off-campus legal practice settings. The court agreed that the new clinic fits within our mission and capabilities and we are thrilled to have Professor Cohen to direct it.”
