In September 2019, Regent University School of Law opened a clinic in Norfolk, Virginia, to provide pro bono legal aid to the Hampton Roads community with the help of Regent law students and local law professionals.
Through the generous gifts of longtime donors Dr. John & Beverly Reese III, Grace Community Law Clinic offers support to struggling and underserved families who have pending and ongoing cases before local juvenile and domestic courts.
Now, in its third year of operation, the clinic is expanding by hiring a full-time housing fellow to help with the mounting housing and eviction crisis.
“Innumerable families in our region are facing eviction or ongoing housing struggles related to the pandemic,” said Mark Martin, dean of Regent Law and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. “The government is asking the legal community to help address the current evictions crisis, and we are honored to answer the call.”
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently wrote an appeal to members of the legal community, saying, “I write to urge you to join me in helping to address the looming housing and evictions crisis.”
Adding, “The legal community has an obligation to help those who are most vulnerable. We can do that by doing everything we can to ensure that people have a meaningful opportunity to stay in their homes and that eviction procedures are carried out in a fair and just manner.”
According to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, over six million American households reported that they are behind on rent, and over three million could be facing eviction.
In response to this crisis, the Regent law clinic has added the position of a housing fellow to assist Norfolk residents facing eviction. The housing fellow will be available to assist tenants in applying for rent relief, negotiating with landlords to help tenants avoid an eviction filed against them, and assisting clients in court with defenses to eviction. The clinic will be working with the local legal aid program to offer pro bono services to the low-income community.
Ilinka Robinson, a 2020 graduate of Regent University School of Law, will fill the housing fellow position. Robinson is licensed to practice law in the commonwealth of Virginia. She worked as a paralegal before attending law school and has experience in the areas of special education law, immigration law, and complex business litigation.
Reflecting on the significance of the clinic’s expansion, Dean Martin noted, “I continually challenge our students and alumni to commit themselves to a greater purpose and excellence. That includes using their gifts to benefit others, and our law clinic is a shining example of this commitment.”
To learn more about the School of Law, visit regent.edu/law.
