Closing the Access to Justice Gap: Belmont Law’s Expanded Public Interest Program Gains Momentum

Program offers more support to communities in need than ever before 

The fall 2024 semester proved to be another meaningful chapter for championing, educating and serving the Nashville community, underscoring Belmont Law’s steadfast commitment to public service. 

Fall 2024 Public Interest Achievements 

From August through November, Belmont Law’s public interest and pro bono clinics provided $35,150 in free legal services –– calculated based on a standard rate of $250 an hour. Across 10 clinics, these services led to transformative outcomes for clients, including: 

• 24 Powers of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child completed 
• 405 non-conviction expungement filings 
• 30 estate planning documents prepared
• Over 110 clients assisted
• More than half a million dollars in court fees waived  

This year, we set a goal to expand our clinic offerings into new practice areas to better serve our Nashville neighbors," Public Interest Coordinator Ginny Blake said. “These efforts included collaborating with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee on Housing Conditions clinics, launching our first Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child clinic and working with Casa Azáfran and Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services to give families peace of mind.”  

The new offerings have allowed more populations to be served and supported through Belmont’s public interest work than ever before. By expanding its network of partnering organizations, Belmont Law’s public interest program can more readily identify communities in need that were not previously on its radar.  

Empowering Students Through Public Interest Work 

Public interest work is highly encouraged for Belmont Law students and each clinic was supported by 10-20 student volunteers. Through clinics, students get invaluable, hands-on experience advocating for a wide range of clients. Moreover, clinics help develop students into compassionate advocates who understand the importance of promoting justice and serving the public good. 

“It felt very gratifying to be in-person with people after I had done work on their records,” first year law student Abby Wingfield said. “Shortening the list of charges they have looks a lot better when they are trying to apply for a job and other things.” 

A heightened sense of social empathy among Belmont Law students has become a distinguishing characteristic for graduates. 

“It's been amazing to watch [students’] confidence grow and their passion for service shine through,” Blake said. “The clinics serve as a powerful reminder of why they chose to go to law school in the first place. They get to see firsthand how their legal skills can make a real difference in people’s lives, which is incredibly motivating.” 

Innovation in Public Interest Education  

This year, the College hosted its first-ever law reentry simulation in partnership with the Tennesse Prison Outreach Ministry, offering students the chance to walk a mile in the shoes of some of the clients they serve at different clinics, particularly those reentering society from incarceration.  

Belmont Law also introduced new skills trainings to equip volunteers with specialized knowledge in expungements, housing conditions and estate planning. New community partners included the Tennessee Justice Center, Cherished Hearts, the Safe at Home Program and the Tennessee Justice Bus that visited campus for lunch programming to enrich student learning and foster meaningful connections. 

Looking ahead, Belmont Law will continue expanding its public interest program. In the spring, it will team up with the Legal Aid Society and the Metro Office of Conservatorship Management to offer a recurring conservatorship clinic.