Civil and Family Justice Law Clinic Students Honored

The Judges of Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division recently hosted an Appreciation Reception for students from Duquesne University School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh Law School who participated in the Pro Se Motions Program.

Students in the Pro Se Motions Program assist pro se litigants with preparing and presenting motions before the family court Judges.  Students who participated in the 2007-2008 program:  Danielle Duvall, Richard Julius, Jr., Erica Koehl, Matthew Rogers, Rachel Schmitt.  The students were supervised by William
Congelio, Esq. and Anne Peterson Esq. (Click to view larger image.)

Center for the Bill of Rights Litigation Clinic Partners with the Pittsburgh Branch of the NAACP to Enhance Citizen Complaint Process

A press conference was held on April 24, 2008 at the offices of the Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP announcing a unique partnership with the Duquesne University School of Law. This new relationship will both strengthen and sustain the NAACP’s complaint intake and referral system for civil rights and other legal complaints.

This semester, students enrolled in the Center for the Bill of Rights, Litigation Clinic (CBR Clinic) worked with NAACP board members, volunteer staff and consultants to evaluate complaints that have been referred to the clinic through the NAACP’s screening process.  Students worked to refine and systematize the organization’s current complaint intake process, conducted investigation and witness interviews, and researched appropriate referral resources when necessary. 

The Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP documents approximately 15 complaints a month related to issues of employment, education, housing and civil rights among others.  The Duquesne Law students will help to develop a computer database and desk reference to further support the NAACP’s intake process.

Students who participated in the CBR Clinic are:  Emily Bristol, Casey Carnahan, Charles Daval, Jillian Elko, Ashley Fowler, Robyn Guy, Cassie (Erin) McCormick, Lara Shipkovitz, Bradley Steines, Caroline Stirt.   The students were supervised by David Millstein, Esq. and Tracey McCants Lewis, Esq.