Croak Community Legal Clinic

In the Croak Community Legal Clinic, students use legal workshops, presentations and limited-scope representation to help DePaul students and Chicago community members understand their rights, responsibilities and available resources. The Clinic focuses on civil legal issues that may involve public benefits, housing, health care, family law, domestic violence, education, employment, tax assistance and consumer protection. 

The Clinic is designed for students interested in community organizing, community education and community empowerment. Students help address the justice gap by educating people about the legal system, providing resources and helping them better represent themselves in legal situations. 

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and deliver legal workshops and presentations for DePaul students and community members
  • Provide limited-scope representation to attendees after presentations under attorney supervision
  • Research legal issues and prepare materials for community education and self-help resources
  • Collaborate with university partners and community organizations
  • Help people understand their legal rights, responsibilities and available resources
  • Explore how lawyers can support access to justice, community education and public service Course Information

Instructor

  • Shaye Loughlin
    Staff, Full Time
    Executive Director, Center for Public Interest Law

Course Information 

  • Instruction: A combination of lecture, in-class discussion, skills instruction and client counseling
  • Credit hours: Spring semester, 3 credits
  • Number of students: Up to 8 per semester
  • 711 License: Not required
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Eligibility: Only rising 2L and 3L students are eligible to apply; evening students are encouraged to apply
Clinic Eligibility & Registration

History of the Croak Community Legal Clinic

The Clinic is named after Rev. Thomas M. Croak, C.M., a Vincentian priest and lawyer who dedicated his career at DePaul to educating students and standing up for access to justice. The Croak Community Legal Clinic is an outgrowth of Croak Student Legal Services and continues Rev. Croak’s dedication to knowledge, education and public service.

Support the Clinic

Donor support helps the Clinic expand legal services for clients while strengthening the clinical learning experience for our students.

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