Cooley Law School will expand its volunteer partnership with Cristo Rey Community Center starting February 7, 2007.  Cooley Law School, Assistant Professor Chris Trudeau, Coordinator of the project, said that because of the high demand for pro bono services, volunteers will more than double the amount of time spent providing free legal advise at Cristo Rey, located at 1717 N. High Street in Lansing’s north side.

On February 7, 2007, Professor Trudeau and members of the Cooley Hispanic Law Society will expand their commitment to provide legal advise three Wednesdays a month – every week except the third Wednesday of the month, when Legal Services of South Central Michigan provides pro bono legal service.

The partnership is proving to be a win/win situation for the total community.  The clients receive much needed legal advice and the students receive needed practical experience. Trudeau stated, “For me, it’s a way to give back to the community and it keeps me connected.”

About 50% of the caseload so far has involved family law issues, for example, divorce and custody and the rest has been landlord/tenant, labor and employment issues.

John Roy Castillo, Director of Cristo Rey, “is extremely delighted that this partnership will provide legal service to the most needy in a location that is in the heart of the community and will assist the most vulnerable in our community”.

Call 517-372-4700 and ask for either Cindi or Elaine to schedule appointments from 9:00 am to noon.