Law students working on legal recommendations to transform how condemned and vacant homes are revitalized were featured Jan. 6 on WGHP Fox 8 News.
In a winter term Public Law and Leadership course, second-year Elon Law students are tackling legal projects presented by three nonprofit organizations in the region, including the Greensboro Housing Coalition.
“Essentially what we’re trying to help them do is figure out a way to take properties like you see here, a lot of them that are condemned, and essentially try to buy them, renovate them and resell them,” Hinton said. “The big thing is trying to renovate these properties but keep it affordable for people who eventually move in.”
Elon’s Public Law and Leadership course reflects the school’s approach to legal education, connecting students to real-world legal issues, clients and professionals in the legal system to enhance classroom learning and make an impact.
“I am thrilled to see our students’ work and our school’s commitment to experiential education highlighted in this way,” said Elon Law Professor Patricia Perkins, who teaches the Public Law & Leadership Course. “The site visit is often a turning point during winter term as students discover both the weight of responsibility that comes with working with real people who have serious needs, and the future opportunities that they will have to do great good with their law licenses. For many students, it is a pivotal moment in the development of their professional identity.”
Greensboro Housing Coalition’s Jana Raczkowski underscored the importance of finding innovative legal solutions to help Greensboro and other cities convert condemned properties into neighborhood assets.
“We can hopefully change these vacant, dangerous units or homes into something where families can thrive and live and provide a safe, affordable place for their children,” said Raczkowski.
The Public Law and Leadership course at Elon Law is part of the school’s comprehensive leadership program, recognized with the American Bar Association’s top national award for excellence in professionalism education. More information about the course and the leadership program is available here.