LGBTQ+ Clinics in Law Schools: Rare but Crucial Opportunities for Law Students and LGBTQ+ Communities

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Session Type: Concurrent Sessions

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: N/A

Room: The Raven Room

Floor: Lobby Level

Across the United States, over 1,000 law school clinical programs provide hands-on legal training, yet fewer than 20 clinics specifically serve LGBTQ+ communities. This gap is especially alarming as LGBTQ+ rights face unprecedented rollbacks and violence against this community rises. Compounding the explicit targeting of this community is the threat of losing federal funding given the various Executive Orders related to DEI, LGBTQ+ rights, and Education. Now more than ever, there is a critical need for legal advocates equipped to protect LGBTQ+ people through informed and affirming representation. One powerful solution is the expansion of LGBTQ+ focused legal clinics, particularly in conservative states. These clinics not only provide essential legal services but also prepare the next generation of lawyers to advocate effectively for LGBTQ+ rights. Panelists will discuss how they established their clinics, the challenges they encountered, and the transformative impact of these programs on students and the communities they serve. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of such clinics, practical advice for launching similar initiatives, and strategies for expanding legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities.