About the Clinic
The Second Chance Reentry Clinic, established in January 2020, assists citizens returning to society from incarceration with a variety of collateral legal issues that result from their criminal record. Most incarcerated individuals have legal needs which, if not addressed pre- and/or post-release, will likely reduce their chances for a successful reintegration into society. This, in turn, will have a negative impact on their families and their communities.
The Reentry Clinic has focused on the common legal challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face: child support and visitation, housing, and sealing of criminal records. The Clinic also assists clients with legal needs such as access to public benefits, license reinstatements and employment. As society opens up following the COVID-19 pandemic, Reentry Clinic faculty and students will work with individuals pre-release to help them with their anticipated legal needs and to make community service connections.
The Reentry Clinic is a partnership between the School of Law and the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Clinic partners with a variety of social service organizations that, in addition to providing their own reentry services, also serve as referral sources for the Reentry Clinic.
Who We Are
The Second Chance Reentry Clinic is one of the several clinics under the umbrella of the Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic, and is primarily staffed by clinic faculty: a fellow and third-year law students certified as Legal Interns by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Potential Client Inquiries
We are only able to handle legal matters in Ohio. Because our clinic is primarily staffed by law students, there are many factors we have to take into account when we receive an inquiry, including capacity, timing and the particular facts and circumstances presented.
If you think that you need legal assistance with issues relating to your reentry into society following incarceration, please call 216.368.2766 or email lawclinic@case.edu with your contact information and we will get back to you. While we will keep all communications confidential to the extent disclosure isn’t required by law or our ethical duties, please do not send sensitive information, including long narratives or supporting documentation.
News
Reducing number of repeat offenders by improving re-entry system
Resources
Office of Reentry, Health and Human Services, Cuyahoga County, Ohio