A Message from the Executive Director
As the new semester gets underway, students are jumping with both feet into our “new normal,” honing remote advocacy skills in web-based hearings, mediations and even appellate arguments. Connections with clients have long been a cornerstone of their training, and our students have embraced new ways to build rapport with clients over computer screens and through masks.
We all yearn for connection in these days of social distance. Last month we celebrated our community at the clinics' Centennial Day party, sharing our updates and hearing your favorite clinic memories. We are grateful to so many supporters for joining us to toast the Law School's 100th birthday, and for your Centennial gifts to kick off our next 100 years of fighting for justice. Read more>>
For further updates, please follow us on Twitter @LLSJustice.
-Elizabeth Bluestein
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Loyola Project for the Innocent Reimagining Justice
The criminal justice system is undeniably broken. Our system of mass incarceration does not serve justice and disproportionately harms communities of color. This fall, LPI brought together pioneering attorneys, forensic experts, activists and formerly incarcerated people to discuss needed reforms. Panelists also addressed wrongful convictions and the role of forensics in the courtroom, from wrongfully convicting innocent people to helping set them free. In conversation with keynote speaker Amanda Knox, panelist Jarrett Adams reminded us that “to fix the system, we need to listen to the voices of people who went through it.” Watch this series here>>
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|  | LPI Secures Release of Client Wrongfully Convicted at 15
Project for the Innocent client Emon Barnes was released Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 from Men’s Central Jail. Barnes, who was only 15 years old at the time of his arrest for attempted murder, had spent the last 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Barnes was greeted by his family as LPI advocates looked on. Tried in adult court in 2001, Barnes was convicted of gang crimes based largely on statements by a teenage witness who has now recanted his testimony. Read more>> | |  | The Future is Now for the Center for Conflict Resolution
COVID-19 related court closures and the continuance of civil matters have increased demand for virtual mediation, especially in the areas of family law, consumer debt and landlord-tenant. Acting Director Sara Campos has leveraged her expertise to train students with the necessary skills, including conveying the parties’ emotions and interests appropriately across remote platforms. Student Rebecca Mandel ’21 has already conducted a virtual divorce mediation this semester. Read about her experience>> | |
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Two T Visa Victories for LIJC Clients
Duñia, who was born in Honduras, entered the United States as a toddler along with her older sisters. Her first memory of the United States was “dancing on top of tables for men.” From the ages of 3-16, Duñia was sold by her mother and was physically forced to engage in sex work. Over the last four years, Duñia has worked closely with a number of LIJC students, including Erika Uribe ’17, who filed and won her T visa application, and Michelle Polanco ’19, who zealously advocated to have Duñia’s removal proceedings terminated and secured her legal permanent residency. Read about another recent T visa victory>>
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|  | Rick Frenkel '99 Honors LLS' Centennial Day with Gift to Loyola Project for the Innocent
Biglaw patent litigator by day, criminal justice champion by night, Rick Frenkel ’99 is an avid supporter of the Loyola Project for the Innocent (LPI). Rick made his annual gift to LPI on Centennial Day in honor of the law school's 100th birthday along with 155 other alumni and friends who made a gift to the Loyola Social Justice Law Clinic or an individual clinic on Centennial Day. Read more>> | |  | Genocide Justice Clinic Students Work on SCOTUS Amicus Brief
Loyola Genocide Justice Clinic students are researching parts of a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief that the Center for the Study of Law & Genocide will file this month in two Holocaust restitution cases: Simon v. Hungary and Philipp v. Germany. Students Amit Azulay ’22, Zarif Kazi ’22, Adam Kurland ’22, Meighann Mahoney ’22, Kristina Moisa ’22, Sabrina O'Mara ’22, Malin McWalters ’21 and Alfonso Nava (LLM) are scouring domestic, international and foreign law sources to help support the position that Germany and Hungary can be haled into U.S. courts to answer claims for compensation by the heirs of Hungarian Holocaust victims and Jewish art dealers. Read more>> | |
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Crossover Youth Thrives and Graduates High School
“Josh” has been represented holistically by our Youth Justice Education Clinic (YJEC) and Juvenile Justice Clinic (JJC) for years. He has a history of abuse and neglect and suffered from unaddressed mental health needs. After being illegally dis-enrolled from his local school, YJEC director Megan Stanton-Trehan stepped in to have him re-enrolled with appropriate special education classes.
And it does not stop with Josh. Twelve YJEC and JJC clients graduated high school earlier this year. We are excited for these youth who are beginning the next chapter in their lives. Read more>>
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LSJLC In The News: Recent Highlights
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