LAW SCHOOL LAUNCHES DISABILITY RIGHTS LAW CLINIC
The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law’s Top-35 ranked clinical training program proudly launched it’s newest Legal Clinic this Spring, with the Disability Rights Law Clinic.
The new clinic is led by Professor Jeffrey Miller.
“I’m so excited to launch the Disability Rights Law Clinic,” said Professor Miller. “I have a wonderful inaugural class of student-attorneys this semester, and I’m really looking forward to working with them as they hone their legal skills and provide much-needed pro bono services to individuals with disabilities here in Memphis.”
Student-attorneys in the University of Memphis Disability Rights Law Clinic represent clients and their families in a variety of matters related to disability law and the rights of persons with disabilities. Student-attorneys typically litigate on behalf of clients who allege violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (a federal special education statute), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. They also advocate on behalf of disabled clients who seek personal care assistance to enable them to remain in their homes and avoid being placed in an institution or nursing home.
Student-attorneys are expected to take full ownership of their cases and are decision-makers (under faculty supervision) for all aspects of client representation. Clinical students also participate in weekly classroom sessions, during which they practice legal skills and discuss the challenges they are facing in their legal work.
The Clinic has already made an impact in the life of it’s first client. In December, the clinic successfully represented a disabled client who appealed a TennCare decision to cut his in-home personal care assistance hours. With the clinic’s assistance, the client convinced TennCare to maintain his current level of nursing services. For many people who rely on TennCare to pay for personal care assistance, reductions in service hours can put an enormous strain on people with disabilities and their families.
Professor and Clinic Director Jeff Miller was also recently a featured guest on the law school's podcast, Show Cause, where he went into more detail about the founding of this clinic, his background and expertise in the area, and what he hopes to accomplish via this clinic in Memphis. Listen HERE.