Why a Human Trafficking Clinic?

Human trafficking victims are frequently forced or coerced by their traffickers into criminal activity. As a result, many survivors carry criminal records tied directly to their exploitation. Even when a survivor is no longer being trafficked, these records can create significant obstacles to rebuilding their lives—making it difficult to secure employment, housing, education, child custody, and other essential resources for independence. However, under Virginia law, survivors of human trafficking now have the right to vacate (or expunge) certain charges from their criminal records. Thanks in part to the advocacy of the Center for Global Justice, the vacatur law expanded in July 2025 to provide even more expansive relief. Under the original law, survivors with only 2 prostitution-related misdemeanor charges qualified for relief. Under the new law, more than 30 other misdemeanors and felony drug possession are considered eligible charges.

The Center created the Clinic in 2023 to offer free legal representation to human trafficking survivors who desperately need criminal record relief. By partnering with “Survivor Service Providers,” the Clinic is able to identify and represent victims who are eligible for relief under the statute.

Student Opportunities in the Clinic

Students working in the CGJ Human Trafficking clinic will represent human trafficking survivors in vacatur and expungement proceedings and related matters. They may also work on current legal and policy issues affecting trafficking victims in the justice system. Students will attend class weekly, meet with clients, and prepare petitions.

The Human Trafficking Clinic course will be available in the Fall and Spring Semesters. There are no prerequisites, however preference is given to 3Ls who plan on taking the course for both the Fall and Spring. You may only register for the course in the fall semester, as new students will not be taken in the spring. The first semester of the Clinic will be taken for 3 credits, and the second semester can be taken for 1-3 credits.

Applications for the Clinic course are received during class registration schedule. Navigate to the Clinic tab for more details.