Photo: CDC Fellows enjoy an end-of-semester banquet and awards ceremony
As the end of the semester approaches, CDC Fellows have been busy completing work for their clients, Some of the clinics clients will see their files closed as their matters have been fully addressed by Fellows. For others, current fellows are preparing to transition clients to next semester’s incoming Fellows. The clinic celebrated with an end-of-semester banquet and celebration. Congratulations to our Fall 2022 cohort–they’ve done extraordinary work that impacts our community and the lives of individuals.
Fellows at the Community Development Clinic have conducted more than 130 hours of research and client service in cutting-edge areas of law. When Nicole Egan and Mike Masci began the semester, their client presented with a complex set of legal needs. In order to fully address client needs, Egan and Masci engaged in substantive legal research which included topics recently litigated as first impression cases, Municipal Law, and complex property transactions. In light of this research, Egan and Masci were able to craft contractual language which addressed client concerns.
From Left: Fall 2022 CDC Fellows Alejandra Spruill and Stephanie Sabino
Alejandra Spruill and Stephanie Sabino have worked in complex transactions this semester. As Community Development Clinic Fellows, they will have spent around 130 hours drafting transactional documents, negotiating mergers, completing due diligence and meeting with stakeholders. A huge round of applause for these two talented fellows.
Pictured: Stefanie Grimando (left) and Raisa Choudhury (right) are 2022 Community Development Clinic Fellows.
CDC Fellows Raisa Choudhury and Stefanie Grimando have been busy this semester engaging in transactional work. Thus far, they’ve drafted contracts which address novel areas of law and have assisted clients in liability mitigation. By the end of the semester, Raisa and Stefanie will have each spent 130 hours supporting economic growth in our community.
Pictured: (from top left) Matthew Walker, Andrew Ashkar, Nicole Egan, Stefanie Grimando, Jim Brady,(from bottom left) Raisa Choudhury, Alejandra Spruill, Stephanie Sabino, Mike Masci
This semester, the Community Development Clinic is benefitting from the hard work of a dedicated team of future attorneys. Our Student Fellows boast a broad range of client and professional experience. This semester, they will spend more than 130 hours working directly on client matters.
Student Fellows Andrew Ashkar and Jim Brady conducted the first client intake interview of the semester.
By CDC Staff
Here at the Community Development Clinic, Student Fellows Andrew Ashkar and Jim Brady started the semester off with a bang–conducting the first client interview at the clinic early last week. Congratulations to Andrew and Jim for their excellent work!
The CDC has brought on several new clients this semester, with student fellows planning to assist them in transactional matters, including contract drafting and the formation of business organizations.
Fellows are busy with legal research, client interviewing, and memo-writing. They are excellent advocates for their clients, and are committed to helping their clients work towards their goals.
The Community Development Clinic was recently featured in an article by reporter Kathryn Gallerani of South Coast Today & The Standard-Times. The article highlights the CDC’s work in the South Coast community, and the wonderful things that UMass law students bring to the table for our clients. Read more here:
The UMass Law Community Development Clinic (CDC) offers pro-bonolegal services to select clients each year. At the clinic, law students, supervised by an attorney, perform legal work for clients. In exchange, students receive law school course credit and real legal experience. At the CDC, students may do legal research, draft legal briefs, write and/or review contracts, interact with clients through client meetings, conduct legal audits, prepare filings, and educate board members on their roles and responsibilities.
The Community Development Clinic (CDC) accepts applications from those interested in receiving pro bono (no cost) legal services on a rolling basis. In order to apply to be a client at the CDC, please complete the below application and submit it and the required attachments at your earliest convenience.
The application asks for your information, as well as information about your business. It asks questions about your organization background and the services you provide. Finally, it asks for the reason you are applying to receive services with the clinic. Once we receive your application, we will review it and follow-up about whether or not we’ll be able to further pursue your application.
Unfortunately, the CDC cannot accommodate every applicant and we receive more requests for services than we are able to accept. We consider a range of factors when deciding whether to accept a client, including resources and capacity and learning opportunities for students.
While we cannot guarantee that your application will be successful, we do find it helpful when applicants are as informative as possible in regards to the questions asked on the application.
Este aplicativo também está disponível em português.
In May 2021, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported that a special program developed between the Community Development Program and the Cannabis Control Commission was to be used as a model for other programs at universities to include Tufts, Northeastern and Boston University. The program utilized the services of the CDC to bring legal services to equity program participants otherwise outside of the scope of the Cannabis Control Commission.
Law students assisted clients by providing comprehensive legal services and advice for their small businesses, including working closely with clients to understand business objectives and to explore the legal implications of their business organization. Working with clients, students drafted documents such as articles of organization, operating agreements, and by-laws.
