RALEIGH — Campbell Law School’s Pro Bono Council and the Blanchard Community Law Clinic (BCLC) are partnering with Duke Law School and Pisgah Legal Services to host an expunction clinic in Western North Carolina over the law school’s Spring Break on March 13-17, 2023.
This trip marks the first Pro Bono Spring Break trip since before the pandemic, said Pro Bono Council Director Brigitte Kelly ’23.
“Nine Campbell Law students will participate in the clinic, donating their time and skills, under the supervision of a licensed attorney,” she said.
BCLC Professor Emily Mistr said through a collaboration with Pisgah Legal Services and the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, law students will complete youthful conviction petitions to expunge convictions that occurred prior to the recent “Raise the Age” legislation, when the defendants were 16 or 17 years old.
“Additionally, students will meet with 15 to 20 individuals to review their criminal records to determine their expunction eligibility,” Mistr added. “Students will then complete and file the appropriate petitions and accompanying paperwork to expunge any eligible offenses.”
Since launching in September 2016, the BCLC has made a significant impact in the Triangle and beyond by providing solutions to legal problems encountered by clients who are seeking to change their lives for the better. The BCLC has served more than 1,000 clients, providing representation, advocacy, education and reconciliation for its clients while delivering valuable and practical knowledge and experience to students.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law School has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 4,700 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2024, Campbell Law is celebrating 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 15 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.