By: Miranda Neal
This semester, I had the privilege of working with the Human Trafficking Clinic, where I focused on laying the groundwork for the next phase of the Clinic. Our efforts centered on preparing vacatur petitions for future filing under Virginia’s newly expanded vacatur law, improving our use of the client management system, and developing resources and a network that will serve the Clinic and its clients well into the future.
Preparing Client Vacatur Petitions
A major milestone this semester was the passage of legislation expanding Virginia’s vacatur law, which will allow the Clinic to serve a broader range of clients seeking relief. Anticipating this passage, we began working with clients who will become eligible under the new law. For example, I worked with a client convicted under Va. Code § 18.2-250 (possession of an illegal substance) – a conviction currently ineligible for vacatur. Although we cannot yet file her petition, my work this semester on her narrative and collecting evidence will allow future clinic students to move quickly once the law takes effect, ultimately helping her obtain long-overdue relief.
Enhancing the Client Management System
This semester marked my first experience using client management software, specifically Clio. As only the second cohort of students in the clinic, we had the opportunity to shape the operating procedures. I helped develop standardized task lists for vacatur cases–obtaining fingerprints, drafting narratives, and submitting FOIA requests–to ensure consistency and completeness in case handling. I also created contacts in Clio for the Virginia circuit courts we’ve interacted with, reducing the legwork for future students needing information on court procedures or FOIA submissions.
Creating Resources and Building Networks
One of the most significant projects was developing a comprehensive toolkit for attorneys and future Clinic participants. This resource outlines available legal remedies, petition requirements, and best practices for working with human trafficking survivors. We imagine this toolkit being published on the Clinic’s website, expanding our reach beyond the student body and empowering more advocates to take on cases confidently.
Looking Ahead
I learned so much through my experience in the Clinic. I am proud of the work we’ve done this semester, which I believe will leave a lasting legacy. I hope future students continue to build upon what we’ve started, growing the clinic’s capacity to bring justice and relief to even more survivors.
This post was written by a student at Regent University School of Law. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.