UC Clermont paralegal program offers free legal clinics

UC Clermont College’s paralegal program will offer two free virtual legal clinics to local residents in the coming weeks.

Due to overwhelming response to the September and October clinics, the first clinic will again focus on advanced directives such as health care powers of attorney and living wills, as well as expungements, and will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6-8 p.m. The second, focused on unemployment applications, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m.

The clinics, sponsored by a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, offer clients the opportunity to receive professional legal assistance, with local attorneys providing support alongside UC Clermont paralegal students and faculty members. And for the 18 paralegal students participating, the events offer priceless practical experience.

“Our paralegal students get hands-on experience helping real-world clients,” said David Myers, paralegal instructor and clinic director. “This kind of experiential learning provides our students with more marketable skills, increased confidence, improved job prospects and greater professional success. Plus, the UC Clermont Legal Clinic directly serves the local community and its residents, improving access to justice and giving a hand-up to those who need it most during these challenging times.”

Because of COVID-19, the format of the clinics was altered from in person to virtual, which could help the program reach clients in counties east of Cincinnati, such as Clermont, Brown and Highland. Residents there sometimes experience economic and geographic barriers to accessing legal services, Myers said.

All clinics are free of charge to clients. Consultation with the paralegal student will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and can be accessed from a computer or mobile device. The program will follow strict ethical requirements to protect client confidentiality. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

For more information or to RSVP for the Nov. 3 or Dec. 1 clinic, contact David Myers at myersdj@ucmail.uc.edu or (513) 404-7887.