UIC Law's Efforts to Aid Human Trafficking Survivors
The International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law recently teamed up with the Jones Day law firm to host a significant event known as the Chicago Start Anew Clinic. This initiative focused on delivering essential support to survivors of human trafficking.
Services Provided by the Clinic
This one-day clinic offered a range of important services, including the opportunity to expunge trafficking-related charges, receive immigration assistance, gain financial education, and participate in workshops aimed at improving resume writing and interview skills.
Collaborating for Change
This event represents a valuable partnership between Jones Day and UIC Law's International Human Rights Clinic, aligning with the IHRC’s mission to tackle human rights challenges within our communities. Under the guidance of IHRC staff attorney Alejandra Palacios, student clinicians were instrumental in managing a resource table that featured vital immigration information and advice on how criminal convictions might affect immigration benefits.
Continued Support and Resources
Attendees of the clinic left equipped with critical resources. They received thorough information on expunging trafficking-related charges from their records. Moreover, many benefited from the resume-building support and financial literacy education offered during the event. In the days following this vital clinic, pro bono attorneys from Jones Day will persist with their crucial support by helping survivors in preparing applications for expungement-related relief.
A Student's Personal Reflection
Sasha Maynard, one of the student clinicians with the IHRC, reflected on her transformative experience, saying, "Working at the immigration help desk was an incredibly unique opportunity that pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone. I was deeply moved by the many people who shared their stories with us, and I felt honored to provide them with information about the immigration process. I’m looking forward to the ongoing community support through the International Human Rights Clinic and feel privileged to be on a team dedicated to helping others in our community."
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the clinic and its offerings, you can reach out to Melah Lofton at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law by calling 312-427-2737 X 792 or via email at mlofto3@uic.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of services did the clinic provide?
The clinic provided expungement relief, immigration advice, financial education, and workshops for enhancing resumes and interview skills.
Who put together the Chicago Start Anew Clinic?
The clinic was co-hosted by UIC Law’s International Human Rights Clinic and the law firm Jones Day.
What was the main goal of the clinic?
The clinic aimed to offer support and resources to survivors of human trafficking, particularly in legal and educational contexts.
How did students contribute to the clinic's efforts?
UIC Law students helped by managing resource tables and assisting pro bono attorneys, allowing them to gain valuable real-world experience.
Who can be contacted for more information regarding the clinic?
For more information, you can contact Melah Lofton from UIC Law, either by phone or email.
