Senior Citizens Law Clinic

Catalog description

The Senior Citizens Law Program Clinic (“SCLC”) is a federally-funded program established pursuant to the Title III-B of the Older Americans Act. SCLC provides pro bono legal services to senior citizens residing in Suffolk County. SCLC handles a broad range of types of cases including landlord-tenant representation, Section 8 and subsidized housing matters, preparation of powers of attorney/health care proxies/living wills, drafting of wills, Medicaid applications, social security disability claims, and pooled trust applications. The SCLC also provides representation at Medicaid fair hearings, in town zoning violations matters and in small claims court. Students learn how to interview clients, evaluate potential legal issues, strategize legal solutions, and research and draft correspondence, memoranda, and other documents. Students work with clients of varying ethnic, religious and income backgrounds and learn the importance of treating all clients with respect and patience. This clinic requires substantial in-person court and a weekly in-person presence for all clinic hours.