Rutgers Law School’s nationally ranked Clinical Program in Camden is receiving a $100,000 funding boost from the state of New Jersey. These clinics allow students to work on actual cases under faculty supervision and gain practical experience while advancing justice for individuals who might otherwise lack legal representation.
New Jersey Assemblyman William Spearman worked on the resolution in the Legislature to secure the funding, and Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald presented the check to Rutgers Law Camden Vice Dean Arthur Laby on September 9.
“Rutgers University–Camden has established itself as a national leader in civic engagement,” Majority Leader Greenwald said. “Its far-reaching partnerships across South Jersey strengthen our communities, and the pro bono legal programs at Rutgers Law School stand as a model of how The State University of New Jersey serves its residents with purpose and impact.”
Rutgers Law School Dean Johanna Bond added, “This is not only an investment in our students’ legal education—it’s an investment in justice. Our clinics are where theory meets practice and where future lawyers learn that the law is a tool for equity. The funding will greatly assist Rutgers Law School in its mission to 'expand access to legal education, foster academic excellence, and empower students to practice with integrity, lead with purpose, and champion justice.’”
U.S. News & World Report ranks Rutgers Law’s Clinical Program in Camden and Newark #12 in the nation. Students across 22 clinics perform pro bono legal work in various settings through partnerships with legal service providers. The funding helps students like Lillian Antwi assist clients through the Expungement Law Project and the Housing Advocacy Clinic.
“The hands-on experience I gained with the housing clinic strengthened my legal research and writing skills, making me more capable and confident in tackling complex legal housing challenges,” she said. “Furthermore, one of the most meaningful parts of my experience was working directly with clients and seeing the real impact of my work on their lives."
Rutgers University-Camden Chancellor Antonio Tillis noted, “This essential funding will allow Rutgers Law to continue to provide critically needed legal assistance to individuals and families across our region who would not otherwise have access to those important services.”
Watch how Rutgers Law students are making a difference in Camden’s legal clinics