CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a law student, one of the best ways to know how the law applies to real life is through experience. As it prepares students to succeed, The John Marshall Law School in Chicago is offering students a variety of ways to gain law practice experience in dealing with legal issues before they graduate and become members of the Bar.
"We have an array of externships that give our students the opportunity to work in court, for a not-for-profit organization, in judicial chambers or in the corporate world. The students come away with a better understanding of the law, and the experiences greatly enhance students' résumés," said Clinical Professor Susann MacLachlan, director of Clinical Programs. John Marshall students were externing with 50 judges this summer.
At the Fair Housing Legal Clinic at The John Marshall Law School, students work with persons facing discrimination in their housing choices. While students learn how to investigate and analyze cases, and prepare discovery motions and pleadings, their work gives Chicago area residents free legal services that can resolve the issue or lead to actions before federal, state and county courts and commissions.
Students at the Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic at The John Marshall Law School work with veterans who are having difficulty getting health and education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These students are learning how to assess a veteran's needs and work with Illinois attorneys who can argue on behalf of the veteran.
The John Marshall Law School has been expanding student practice-ready opportunities with organizations in the Chicago area.
Law student volunteers are working at the JusticeCorps Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program at Cook County's Daley Center assisting homeowners who are facing foreclosure. Volunteers offer a range of information, such as explaining the difference between a motion and an order, or what is an appearance and an answer—both of which require paperwork to be filed with the court.
John Marshall students have enabled the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program's help desk to assist homeowners who struggle to navigate the complicated mortgage foreclosure process quickly and efficiently. They are supervised by legal aid attorneys from the Chicago Legal Clinic.
Colette Safford, a second-year student, said she volunteered because "as a homeowner, I know foreclosure affects not just the homeowner but neighborhood properties as well."
Students with just a few hours a week volunteer with the Illinois Legal Aid Online LiveHelp services. The student volunteers chat live through the Internet with people who are seeking legal information at www.IllinoisLegalAid.org and help point the writer to a source or sources that can offer them the legal expertise they need to resolve the problem they're dealing with.
"Our efforts are giving students an up-close look at the legal system," said Katie Anderson, Pro Bono Program coordinator. "We have programs that offer students a range of activities, whether they choose to work directly with clients or prefer to do research for appellate cases."
For additional information on the pro bono program, contact Anderson at 312.427.2737 ext. 476.
About The John Marshall Law School
The John Marshall Law School, founded in 1899, is an independent law school located in the heart of Chicago's legal, financial and commercial districts. U.S. News and World Report America's Best Graduate Schools 2011 ranks John Marshall in the top tier of law schools. Its Legal Writing Program is sixth in the nation; Trial Advocacy is 13th and Intellectual Property Law is 20th.
Marilyn Thomas
Director, Public Relations
312-360-2661
6thomas@jmls.edu
The John Marshall Law School
315 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL 60604
www.jmls.edu
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