LAWS 8980 Housing Justice Clinic

In Massachusetts, 97% of tenants facing eviction are unrepresented, while over 90% of landlords have attorneys. The imbalance of power has the potential to disrupt the lives of many, disproportionately impacting communities of color. In this clinical course, upper-level students help level the playing field by representing tenants facing housing insecurity. Students are certified to practice law and are the lead lawyers in their individual representation matters, working under the supervision of supportive clinical faculty. Students may also have opportunities to support community organizations in their housing advocacy work, depending on the availability of appropriate projects. In the related course seminar, students deepen their knowledge of housing law and litigation skills and explore the intersection of housing rights and social justice. Example of student work: Students have represented tenants facing eviction actions, termination of housing subsidies, bad conditions, and unfair landlord practices. In their role as lead lawyers, students learn and practice foundational lawyering skills, including client interviewing and counseling, fact investigation, research and writing, negotiation, and court-related advocacy. Students have also expanded their reach by helping community organizations create Know Your Rights campaigns and participating in the Metro South Housing Courts Lawyer for the Day Program. Prerequisites/corequisites: Evidence is a pre- or corequisite