A Social Justice Lens Turned on Legal Education: Next Steps in Representing the Vulnerable and Inspiring Law Students

A Social Justice Lens Turned on Legal Education: Next Steps in Representing the Vulnerable and Inspiring Law Students suggests that contemporary discourse about reforming law schools should include dialogue about imbuing legal education with social justice ideals. While 40% of low and moderate-income households experience legal issues each year, legal aid assistance only meets about 20% of those needs. Bridging that “justice gap” for civil legal services should include the creation of Centers for Social Justice and Public Service in law schools, such as the Center that exists at Santa Clara Law. The Center provides a certificate program with academic, practicum, and public service components. The Center also coordinates extracurricular activities and emphasizes pro bono work to bridge the justice gap for marginalized, subordinated, or underrepresented clients. Three programs help to instill in students a desire to advance social justice causes and to view their work through a social justice lens, no matter their area of practice: (1) the Pro Bono Recognition Program; (2) the Pro Bono Placement Project; and (3) Summer Grants for public service work. The Center and its activities offer an institutional framework where students can find support, friendship, and thrive.