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Community Cornerstones: An Analysis of HBCU Law School Clinical Programs’ Impact on Surrounding Communities

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  • Adeshola Akintobi

    (College of Agriculture Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA
    Howard University School of Law, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA)

  • Sabine O’Hara

    (College of Agriculture Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA)

  • Elgloria Harrison

    (School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing, Lehman College, New York, NY 10468, USA)

  • John Brittain

    (David A. Clarke School of Law, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA)

Abstract

Fifty million Americans, nearly 15% of the population, live below the federal poverty level, often facing civil legal issues without representation. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long served as economic engines and vital resources for their communities. HBCU law schools uphold this legacy by preparing students for legal careers while instilling a commitment to service, particularly for underserved citizens who lack access to quality legal representation. This research examines the dual mission of HBCU law schools—educating students and serving local communities—through a systematic document analysis of publicly available materials and literature on law school clinical programs. The findings identify four key community performance indicators that define the community impact of HBCU law schools: advocacy, engagement, client outcomes, and representation. These indicators reflect a shared commitment across all institutions to addressing systemic inequities through clinical legal education, reinforcing the role of HBCU law schools as both training grounds for future attorneys and essential pillars of justice in their communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Adeshola Akintobi & Sabine O’Hara & Elgloria Harrison & John Brittain, 2025. "Community Cornerstones: An Analysis of HBCU Law School Clinical Programs’ Impact on Surrounding Communities," Laws, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:48-:d:1701759
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