Prof. Leah Hill
Clinical Associate Professor of Law, Family Advocacy Clinic
Kathy Ho
Supervising Social Worker
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ADVOCATING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN is the mission of the The Family Advocacy Clinic. As a member of this clinic, you will act as an attorney for individuals advocating for their children in a variety of administrative proceedings, including:
- City and State Department of Education proceedings to secure appropriate educational services for children with learning and other disabilities
- NY State fair hearings to obtain foster care and adoption benefits and
- State Department of Mental Health proceedings to obtain appropriate mental health care and other vital services for children.
You will work in conjunction with social work students to interview clients and investigate claims, review and assess medical, mental health and educational records, interview and prepare physicians, psychologists and education experts to serve as witnesses for trial, and develop interdisciplinary case strategies to advance the client’s goals. While this interdisciplinary approach may be standard in a medical setting, it is pathbreaking in the legal field.
You will learn many practical skills as a lawyer as you prepare legal pleadings and memos and conduct hearings in front of administrative law judges. Where appropriate, you will pursue appeals in NY State and Federal trial and appellate courts, where they are permitted. In some cases, you will learn to argue appeals.
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