RALEIGH – Campbell Law School’s Blanchard Community Law Clinic (BCLC) recently partnered with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction to serve about 40 clients at a Driver’s License Restoration Clinic held at the Sampson Correctional Institution.
The clinic, which was held on Sept. 26 and served soon-to-be-released clients, included BCLC Staff Attorney Kristin Parks, the BCLC clinic students and the BCLC social work intern Rachel Lea. The following law students participated: Ariana Benbenek, Shannon Conrad, Adrian Frisbee, Ambar Gomez, Grant Harris, Erica Howard, Robert Massey, Jared Nava andAleisha Santos.
“The clinic was well organized, staffed and provided an awesome service for our population,” said Warden Robert J. Van Gorder. “The Clinic staff and students met with each client, one on one, about possibilities in working toward having their driver’s license restored prior to release.”
Throughout the semester, BCLC students study the collateral effects of criminal convictions, such as the loss of driver’s license privileges for unpaid court fines and fees. They also learn how to guide their incarcerated clients through the process of restoring those driving privileges so they can legally drive upon release.
Since its establishment in 2016, the BCLC has served as an essential community resource for individuals facing legal challenges. Through collaborations with organizations such as the City of Raleigh, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Justice Served, StepUp Ministry, and Alliance Medical Ministry, the clinic offers free legal aid and support to low-income residents.
Its Driver’s License Restoration Initiative and other pro bono programs are supported in part by the Bob and Pat Barker Second Chance Initiative, which helps people rebuild their lives after involvement in the criminal justice system. To date, the clinic has assisted more than 1,600 individuals with legal matters including landlord-tenant issues and driver’s license reinstatement.
The BCLC is located in Raleigh’s Warehouse District and carries on its namesake, Charles Fuller Blanchard, who was a legal advocate dedicated to expanding access to justice.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1986, Campbell Law 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 nearly 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2026, Campbell Law will celebrate 50 years of graduating legal leaders and 17 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.