BATON ROUGE — Southern University Law Center's Clinical Legal Education Program has received $1 million in funding from the Louisiana Bar Foundation to support the Law Center's continued commitment to providing clinical legal education and expanding access to legal services for underserved communities.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Southern University Law Clinic has recognized the importance of preparing law students to transition from the classroom to the practice of law while emphasizing the value of public service. Through its clinical program, student attorneys can apply the theoretical knowledge gained in law school to the actual practice of law while serving individuals and communities in need.

"Clinical legal education provides our students with an invaluable opportunity to develop their legal skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others," said Virginia Listach, director of SULC's Clinical Legal Education Program. "This funding from the Louisiana Bar Foundation strengthens our ability to continue providing students with hands-on legal experience and supporting the communities we serve."

The Law Clinic's mission is twofold: to provide students with practical experience in the legal profession and to provide valuable legal services and resources to the community. Working with low-income individuals and groups allows students to become immersed in an environment of public service and develop a lasting commitment to giving back.

Through public interest legal practice, students also can critically reflect on the justice system and their role within it as developing attorneys. The clinical experience provides second- and third-year law students with opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge while preparing cases and representing clients in legal proceedings.

The award from the Louisiana Bar Foundation recognizes the importance of the Law Center's clinical program and will help support its continued work to promote legal services in the public sector.

The funding further advances Southern University Law Center's commitment to developing practice-ready attorneys while increasing access to the legal system for underserved communities.