By: Angela Mennecke
College of DuPage Legal Studies students recently applied their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting by volunteering at the DuPage Expungement Clinic, which offered free legal assistance to residents seeking to clear or seal their criminal records.
Working alongside 31 volunteer attorneys, 22 COD students helped clients complete petitions and served as “runners” between attorneys and participants. In total, volunteers assisted 164 clients during the clinic, held in partnership with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of DuPage County, Prairie State Legal Services, the DuPage County Bar Association and COD’s Legal Studies program.
Attorney volunteers met one-on-one with participants to review eligibility, prepare petitions to expunge or seal records, and provide step-by-step guidance on navigating the process. Students gained valuable insight into legal practice while directly supporting community members seeking a fresh start.
COD's Legal Studies program equips students with skills in criminal law and procedure, ethics, litigation, legal research and writing, and law office technology. In addition to classroom instruction, students complete a required practicum for essential professional experience, preparing them for careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and business organizations.
Learn More About the Legal Studies Program at College of DuPage