Fighting for LGBTQ equality
The LGBTQ Advocacy Clinic fights for the rights of low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. It is one of only a handful of law school clinics in the nation focused on LGBTQ rights.
Students contribute to the struggle for LGBTQ equality by representing low-income LGBTQ people facing discrimination on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Cases on the clinic docket include asylum for clients fleeing anti-gay or anti-trans persecution in their home country, federal civil rights litigation for transgender prisoners denied access to medical care, second parent adoptions and parentage judgments for LGBTQ parents, and federal litigation on behalf of LGBTQ workers subjected to employment discrimination. Students also work on legislative and policy projects to improve protection for LGBTQ families.
Legal Assistance
Clinic students handle all aspects of clients' cases, including interviewing and counselling, developing claims, determining strategy, drafting complaints, motions, and affidavits, appearing in court, and engaging in settlement negotiations. Students have primary responsibility for the case and client communication and appear in court pursuant to a student practice order.
The LGBTQ Advocacy Clinic is dedicated to serving the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ community, including people of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, prisoners, immigrants facing deportation, and low-income workers.
Depending on clinic capacity and student availability, clinic students may have the opportunity to continue to assist with client representation and clinic projects beyond the first semester for advanced credit.