The Urban Legal Clinic (ULC) was established in 1970 to assist low-income clients with legal problems that are caused or exacerbated by urban poverty. Student lawyers handle such civil matters as housing, consumer protection, bankruptcy, matrimonial, employment and Social Security/SSI disability issues. They also provide representation to clients who have been charged with minor criminal offenses.

The hallmark of the ULC is its work on behalf of individual clients, through which students gain unparalleled, hands-on litigation experience. Students handle every aspect of a case, from the initial client interview to fact investigation, discovery, motion practice and, ultimately, trial. They appear frequently in court and before administrative agencies. Under the close supervision of a faculty member, students hone their lawyering skills while at the same time providing high-quality legal representation to indigent clients.

ULC students also participate in numerous pro bono and community education efforts. Students have developed a series of “know your rights” pamphlets, aimed at enhancing access to justice and social services for client communities. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, students were among those trained to provide pro bono support with volunteer attorneys working with family members of victims. Student lawyers have conducted legislative analysis and prepared comments on bills dealing with issues affecting clinic clients, and have presented law-related education workshops for children confined in the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.