[row][column]Blinn Combs (J.D. ’17)
The HeLP Clinic provides its students with a useful reminder that the law isn’t just a means of protecting deep pockets. At its best, it’s a safe haven for people with no pockets at all. 
The clients — each one a sick child — arrive with all manner of troubles. They may need help getting better access to special education services, disability benefits or new housing. Through extensive client interaction, we help solve their sensitive legal challenges.
This work of providing needy families with the means to survive and sometimes thrive is pro bono publico in its highest sense, and I’m immensely proud to have had such a rewarding experience.
As a HeLP Clinic summer intern, I represented a child with severe and debilitating problems at a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability hearing. His benefits had been withdrawn and if he lost his benefits, his medical care would be severely curtailed.
Preparation for the case was extensive — we even staged a grueling mock hearing. On the day of the actual hearing, Professors Sylvia Caley (M.B.A. '86, J.D. '89) and James Mitchell accompanied me and our claimant, his mother, her translator and the reporter. I was nervous, but in the end the administrative law judge indicated that he would be rendering a favorable decision.
Thanks to my participation in the HeLP Clinic and the dedication of professors and staff, I’ve written and submitted my first major brief; I’ve had my first courtroom experience and my first legal victory. Most importantly, I’ve helped a sweet boy retain the medical care that he desperately needs to survive and helped his family avoid the possible emotional and financial ruin attendant upon the loss of his benefits. As beginnings go, I couldn’t be prouder.
Blinn Combs (J.D. ’17) participated in the HeLP Clinic activities during spring and summer 2016 and is enrolled in HeLP II. Read the full version of his experience here.
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[column]Armin Naghashzadeh (J.D./M.B.A. ’16)
I participated in the Bankruptcy Assistance & Practice Program and the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic to obtain practical work experience and valuable skills such as interviewing and client management. What I found was both the program and clinic also gave me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
One client who wanted to file bankruptcy was in his late teens and recently homeless. The story of why was outrageous and no fault of his own. Given how unfortunate his story was and how positive his attitude was, I wanted to make sure this client received his bankruptcy discharge as well as a resolution to the tax issues he was having with the IRS. Ultimately, we were successful on both fronts.
The experiences I shared with all of my clients are the most important I have had in my three years of law school. Not only did I have an opportunity to meet fantastic people and learn from amazing professors, I learned a lot about what it means to be a lawyer. In a clinic, you learn about the power that we have as lawyers to impact our clients’ lives. Our clients depend on us to get their legal issues resolved, but that is an oversimplification. As lawyers we have the skills, ability and knowledge to make a huge difference in clients’ lives for the better.
I believe that all students should try a practice-based program or clinic, because the value and fulfillment you get from the learning experience is well worth the work you put in.
Learn more about Naghashzadeh's story>>
Armin Naghashzadeh (J.D./M.B.A. ’16) is pursuing a master’s of tax at Robinson College of Business. Read more of his story here.[/column][/row]