Upstate Law Project

The Upstate Law Project, led by Susan Conn, Esquire (Class of ’79), introduces students to the Social Security system, discusses the barriers that low-income and disabled families face in accessing social services, and introduces students to the following legal topics: legal analysis, legal ethics, Social Security disability law, and legal writing. In addition to this coursework, students engage in a practicum experience. The practicum is assisting Ms. Conn in her pro bono work of helping low-income children in securing SSI benefits and involves: interviewing clients, drafting a brief to an administrative judge, preparing clients for hearings, and attending administrative hearings. The practicum takes place at the Utica office of The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York.

Students participating in the course during the fall of 2007 are: Avery Blank, '08, Kristen Coletti, '08, Jen Geffner, '09, Becca Gildiner, '09 Christine Hawkins, '08, Mallorie Heneghan, '08, Simon Rosen, '08, and Audrey Stevens, '08.

Former students who have participated in the Upstate Law Project include, Elly Arnoff '06, Tiffany Chu '06, Jenn Frey '06, Hillary Gluck '06, Erin Hanna '06, Theresa Kevorkian '09, Matt Kroll '07, George Martin '06, Katie Powell '06, and Sarah Swan '06