While many law schools have a certain direction or shared objective, Hofstra Law focuses on making ''meaningful contributions to the dialogue on pressing social issues of national and local importance''.
Its goal is provide a rich educational experience built on theory and skills. Indeed, it was one of the first law schools in the country that defined a ''clinical education''. To date, the facility offers seven client representation clinics, an extensive externship and many pro bono opportunities. The Pro Bono and Public Service Committee oversee its Public Service Certificate Program and are headed by the school's Career Planning division. It identifies and proposes various public service and pro bono components used for first year students. Further, it also identifies other opportunities for those who have completed their first years.
Another important, and certainly from a social perspective, program is its Domestic Violence Courtroom Advocates Program, or CAP. This project recruits, trains, and mentors
law students to fill the advocacy, services and educational gaps found in New York City's family courts. Its goal is to help victims of domestic violence as they move through the court system. The duties vary, but generally include drafting and filing petitions, advocating during court appearances and providing them with safety planning and referrals to various services and resources within their communities. It’s a program that's been long overdue not only in New York, but around the country. Ideally, this will serve as an incentive for other law schools to follow suit.
That's not all, though. The Unemployment Action Center is another student run program. It's a voluntary service where students may advocate for and represent claimants who face administrative law judges when appealing their unemployment decisions. This program has been run on a non profit basis since 1991 and has made a significant impact on those who otherwise would not have access to
legal representation. Each student volunteer agrees to around five to ten hours per case and provides a real opportunity for these students.
These are just a few of the many good works that define Hofstra Law School and its student body. The school boasts world class professors, including crime fiction author Alafair Burke and legal ethics scholar Monroe Freedman, who have made an impressive mark on the legal world and has students arrive from 35 countries each new semester. With fifteen areas of study, it is one of the most versatile law schools in the nation. Notable alumni include New York Governor David Paterson and United States Court of Appeals Judge Maryanne Trump Barry.
Hofstra Law School continues to move forward with its winning formula for educating some of the most brilliant legal minds found anywhere. For more information on the prestigious school, visit the Hofstra Law School website at Law.Hofstra.edu.
