Law School's Legal Clinic Helps Another Organization Create Nonprofit Status

U of A School of Law students helped The Liberty Initiative Inc., more commonly known as TLI, transform from an informal labor of love to a registered and tax-exempt nonprofit corporation. The project was part of the students' work in the Nonprofit Clinic, one of six clinic opportunities available to law students as part of the School of Law Legal Clinic.

Since its founding in 2006, students enrolled in the law school's Nonprofit Clinic have provided free legal assistance to roughly 200 organizations and groups seeking to serve the community. In setting up each nonprofit organization, students gain critical lawyering skills, including client interviewing and counseling, legal research and fact investigation, and drafting.

Law student Kordyn Turner, who represented TLI, said that the real-life practice of law taught him the importance of good case management. "It was a pleasure completing this project for our client and enabling TLI to grow and better pursue its mission."

Nonprofit Clinic Director Tim Tarvin, who served as Turner's supervising attorney, said, "This is an example of win-win-win. Kordyn is more confident and skilled in his ability to represent clients, TLI is better equipped to move forward with its advocacy and the School of Law continues its legacy of giving back to the community."

Before joining the U of A School of Law faculty in 1993, Tarvin served as a deputy prosecuting attorney, bankruptcy trustee, juvenile judge and municipal judge. He has directed the clinic for 16 years and championed for its founding because he believed students should have the opportunity to build practical skills in a non-adversary clinic.

Founded by attorney and former Judge Jon Comstock, TLI provides pro bono legal services to individuals who cannot readily access them, including many formerly incarcerated individuals facing an array of barriers. In addition to free legal services, the organization seeks to improve our criminal justice system through advocacy, education and the arts through activities directed to the general public.

"I have told many people about the wonderful job the law school's Nonprofit Clinic did for us in getting us organized," Comstock said. "What was most impressive to me was the attention to detail and timely client communication and follow up. There is no doubt, the students are learning the skills to be excellent transactional attorneys."

The law school Legal Clinic was first directed by then-professor Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1975 to give students hands-on skills training by representing real clients in real-life legal situations and to provide a free and much needed service to Northwest Arkansas. Clinic students practice law under the close supervision of a full-time faculty member. Learn more about the training and experience offered to students in the School of Law Legal Clinics and the critical legal services the program provides to the community.

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.