Legal Aid

Overview

Through the Legal Aid Clinic, KU law student interns provide legal assistance for low-income clients in Lawrence Municipal Court and Douglas County District Court. The clinic's caseload is divided into four general areas:

  • A criminal practice for juveniles charged with crimes in Douglas County District Court
  • A criminal practice for adults charged with crimes and municipal violations in Lawrence Municipal Court
  • A civil practice to represent individuals seeking expungement of criminal records in Douglas County
  • A civil practice to provide legal assistance for individuals seeking name and gender marker changes through the Douglas County District Court

All cases are received by court appointment or agency referral and screened for eligibility, clinic capacity, and conflict of interest before representation can begin. Capacity varies by semester depending on student enrollment.

For further information, call 785-864-5564.

Inquiring about representation by the Legal Aid Clinic?

Please contact us at 785-864-5564 and/or dgcountylegalaid@ku.edu if we have been court-appointed to represent you, if you have questions about juvenile court or municipal court representation or if you are seeking assistance with an expungement or name change matter.

KU Law Students:

Interested in enrolling in the Legal Aid Clinic? Please complete the Legal Aid Clinic application (pdf) or contact Professor Melanie Daily or Professor Meredith Schnug with any enrollment questions.

Prospective Law Students:

Please contact the Admissions Office for more information about the many hands-on learning experiences available through a legal education at KU.