volume 16, number 1 - UDC Law Review

\\jciprod01\productn\D\DCR\16-1\DCR104.txt unknown Seq: 26 29-JAN-13 10:2642 UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LAW REVIEWCONCLUSIONA. Conclusions about the Desire for Legal AssistanceThis project explored whether self-represented parties in UI appeals perceiveda need for more legal assistance and whether there were aspects of the hearingsthat they found particularly challenging. After conducting a study with a fair representationof the number of UI appeals adjudicated by the OAH during the firstthree weeks of November 2009, we conclude that there is substantial need formore pro bono legal representation at the hearings and, for those who are unableto obtain legal representation, legal assistance to help them prepare before thehearing. This conclusion is supported by the findings discussed in this article.While survey participants understood the purpose of the hearings, and theALJs we observed were diligent about making sure instructions were clear, thereis a degree of specialized legal knowledge that the parties in these cases do notpossess. Participants reported lack of preparation for cross-examination, lack ofinformation about how to use documentary evidence to support their claims, andlack of understanding of the hearing process. As one student wrote, “Most peoplewho spoke with us came out of their hearings either befuddled, frustrated or alittle of both. To no one’s surprise, almost all indicated a desire for legal services,including a fair number of employers too.” 113 Based on the survey results, weconclude that most self-represented parties wish they had more legal assistance tohelp them prepare for a hearing.B. Conclusions about Teaching Law Students Basic Survey MethodologyThe decision to involve students in all aspects of the survey process offeredstudents the opportunity to learn how to collect and assess empirical data. Thisprovided a valuable academic experience that we hope will serve them well aftergraduation. As one student wrote:Throughout the semester, the students who worked on this project learneda lot about the data collection process. We learned that it is not simply writingdown questions and handing people a survey. In order for the data to bereliable, a much more detailed and meticulous process is necessary. . . . I amconfident that, if in the future I am called upon to conduct some sort of datacollection project, I will be able to replicate this process thereby obtainingtrustworthy results. 114This project engaged students in service learning and offered them insightsinto access-to-justice issues from a perspective different from the one they de-113 Memorandum from Eric Berkey, supra note 66. R114 Memorandum from Laura Kakuk, supra note 94. R