here - Education Management Corporation

West Palm Beach
Education in Action: Students
Conduct Small Claims Clinics
In November 2010, the Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs at South University, West Palm Beach, in conjunction
with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, FL, began offering free monthly Small Claims Clinics to the
community. The Clinics are designed to assist low-income clients from the community whose claims are valued at no
more than $5,000. Clients who walk in or call the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County are referred to the monthly
Small Claims Clinics, which are conducted at the West Palm Beach campus.
During the Clinics, clients meet with South University Paralegal and Legal Studies students who have been specially
trained in small claims legal procedures. The students interview the clients, copy their materials, and assist in
completing the documents necessary for the clients to file their own claims at the local courthouse. The students are
supervised by faculty attorneys who review all documentation.
To date, the problems presented at the Clinics include contractual issues involving money owed for wages, and a breach
of contract claim for purchase of a sick puppy. On average, approximately fifteen students will participate on a monthly
basis in the Small Claims Clinics, supervised by up to four faculty attorney members.
The Paralegal and Legal Studies students are thrilled to have the opportunity to conduct client interviews and actually offer beneficial
information to real clients from the community. Student participation is purely voluntary. The clients have been pleased with the
information and professionalism offered at the Small Claims Clinics.
The word is getting out, and this service to the campus’s community is growing by the month.