Access to Justice Clinic
In the Access to Justice Clinic (A2J), student attorneys work to protect and advance civil rights, equal rights, and reproductive justice, especially for vulnerable and underrepresented communities. Our work includes litigating in federal court, advocating for legislative reform, and engaging in the community. From civil rights litigation to equal rights legislation to reproductive justice and maternal health advocacy, our students represent clients on issues of local, national, and global importance.
Note: This course satisfies four hours of the experiential learning requirement and provides the 50-hours of pro bono service required for admission to the NYS Bar.
Bernadette Gargano
Vice Dean for Experiential Education and Social Justice Initiatives; Director of Clinical Legal Education; Director of Access to Justice
- Students will have the opportunity to work on federal civil rights cases, network with outstanding federal practitioners, and meet federal judges.
- Students will also staff embedded clinics in the federal courthouses in Western New York.
The Access to Justice Clinic has partnered with the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, JustCause, and the United States District Court Western District of New York to open two embedded clinics to be staffed by student attorneys. Information about the clinics can be found below:
Buffalo
Every Friday from September 5, 2025, to November 21, 2025
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
United States District Court
2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone Number: 716-847-0662, ext. 340
Rochester
Every Wednesday from September 10, 2025, to November 19, 2025
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
United States District Court
100 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614
Phone Number: 585-295-5709
Remote Assistance
Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
(716) 847-0667, ext. 340 (Buffalo)
JustCause
(585) 683-7707 (Rochester)
Available at Anytime
Pro Se Assistance Program Website: Pro Se Assistance Program in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Students from the Access to Justice Clinic, Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic, and Criminal Justice Advocacy Clinic participated in the Clean Slate Act Legal Clinic on November 22, 2024. This event was organized in partnership with the City of Buffalo, University at Buffalo School of Law, Community Service Society, Legal Aid, Center for Community Alternatives, Alliance of Families for Justice, and other advocacy organizations.
During the Clinic, students from Clinical Legal Education program and other advocacy organizations reviewed the criminal records/convictions of over 100 participants and advised them on if they were eligible for record sealing through the Clean Slate Act and if there was additional legal assistance available to them.
What is the Clean Slate Act?
The Clean Slate Act was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on November 14, 2023 and came into effect on November 16, 2024. This Act enables individuals with past criminal convictions to have their records sealed, if they meet specific requirements. By having their criminal records sealed, individuals are provided new opportunities for employment, housing, and community engagement.
On December 7, 2024, The Access to Justice Clinic, in partnership with the Bar Association of Erie County, Neighborhood Legal Services, Women's Bar Association of the State of New York Western New York Chapter participated in a Name Change Clinic. This event was sponsored by the Law Office of Lindy Korn PLLC and hosted by BestSelf. This clinic aimed to assist individuals in navigating through the process of having their name and gender markers legally changed.
On March 8, 2025, another Name Change Clinic was held in partnership with Neighborhood Legal Services, WBASNY-WNY LGBTQ+ Committee, WNY Man Made Men, The Lavender Room, Embrace WNY, Our City Action Buffalo, and the Bar Association of Erie County. It was held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY.
The Legal Guide Changing Names & Gender Markings in Erie County, NY, was used during these events and for participants to use as a resource. Additional work is being done through both the Access to Justice Clinic and the Civil Rights and Housing Clinic, formerly know as the Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic, to ensure that LGBTQIA+ rights are protected.
On March 27, 2025, The Access to Justice Clinic, in partnership with the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York Western New York Chapter - Reproductive Rights Committee collaborated in a panel that explored explore the intersection of reproductive rights, data privacy, and legal protections for healthcare providers in the wake of Proposal 1.
The speakers at the event included Clayton Masterman (Professor, UB School of Law), Elizabeth Bartelt, PHD (Clinical Assistant Professor, UB School of Public Health), Dr. Elana Tal (Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UB School of Medicine), Lucinda M. Finley (Professor, UB School of Law).
Topics included the recent changes in reproductive and LGBTQ+ healthcare, the Comstock Act, and economic implications of abortion access, and more.
From August 2024 to November 2024, the Access to Justice Clinic held multiple events and discussion panels to help educate the Western New York community on what Proposal One contained and why it was included on the 2024 Election Ballot.
What is Proposal One?
- Proposal One, or The Equal Rights Amendment ballot initiative, codified reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ rights into the New York State constitution.
- This Amendment passed during the 2024 Election.