Health Justice Practicum

Catalog description

Students will address the health harming legal needs of vulnerable low-income families and individuals by conducting holistic client intake interviews with patients referred to Legal Aid Chicago's medical-legal partnership projects. Students will engage in issue spotting, legal research, identifying appropriate resources, and drafting intake memos and advice and referral letters to clients. Students may also participate in pro se outreach at health clinics, providing direct support to patients preparing pro se legal documents. Students may handle cases in a variety of areas of law including public benefits, access to health care, disability, education, housing, family law, as well as other areas of law that impact client health and well-being. Enrollment in the Clinic requires a significant time commitment and flexibility in the student's schedule. Students are required to manage their own intakes, collaborate with health partners, and be responsive to supervising attorneys. The Health Justice Practicum is geared towards weekend students and consists of a bi-weekly four-hour seminar, remote weekly intakes and research on cases, and remote supervision with an adjunct instructor from Legal Aid Chicago. Students should expect to spend 4 hours weekly on intake activities and 3 hours per week on readings and assignments. The Health Justice Practicum is open to 2L, 3L and 4L students.