Baylor University hopes to grow their family law clinic which was introduced earlier this month with the help of second-year law students eager to help out in what can be difficult and consequential proceedings.
"It's a clinic that meets people who are in crisis and gives them the help and gives them assistance along the journey," said Josh Borderud, director of clinical and pro bono programs for the Baylor School of Law.
Borderud said there are a number of individuals who self-represent themselves in legal proceedings in McLennan County in particular through instances of divorce or custody litigation and he said the clinic connects law students with those in need of representation.
"I think it's going to be a tremendous asset to the people of McLennan County and a great experience for our students," Borderud said.
Borderud said taking part in family law takes lawyers who are "empathetic warriors" that are "attentive to the needs and circumstances of their clients."
"But also those who can provide wise council and zealous advocacy," Borderud said. "Professor Tang has that and she's giving it to her students."
Stephane Tang is an assistant professor of law at Baylor Law School and is spearheading the clinic which had a 'soft launch' on October 2.
"We're structured like a legal advice clinic," Tang said. "We have each student who is currently enrolled at the Baylor University School of Law paired with an attorney from the community who specializes in family law."
Whether you have a pending case or not, or are just looking for legal advice, Tang said each client who comes into the clinic will work with a current law student and volunteer attorney, to receive free legal advice regarding their family law issue.
Tang said students get the firsthand experience of talking to clients "and being able to think on their feet" to spot legal issues in real time and apply what they've learned in class to advise clients.
"Being able to say 'this is an issue of service of process, jurisdiction or conservatorship' and being able to advise the client based on statute, relevant law or a case they might have read in class," Tang said.
While the clinic does not yet offer representation Tang said they do offer referrals to attorneys within the community who can help to provide full legal representation.
"Just to hear someone out and treat them as individuals rather than someone who is just giving them a brochure off of a random law library rack," Tang said. "To talk to them and personally help guide them through that experience is really valuable for those that come through the clinic."
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