Notre Dame Law students provide critical legal aid through Appalachia Externship
For over a decade, Notre Dame Law School students have dedicated their fall and spring breaks to immersing themselves in the rich culture of Appalachia while confronting the stark realities of extreme poverty and providing legal services to those in need. Their experience is part of the Appalachia Externship, a partnership with AppalReD Legal Aid, the primary legal services organization serving eastern Kentucky, and private attorney Ned Pillersdorf. Students tackle a diverse array of legal needs, ranging from civil rights cases to environmental issues tied to rural poverty and coal mining operations. This unique partnership allows students to witness firsthand the systemic issues affecting individuals and communities while providing essential support to those navigating complex legal landscapes.
This fall’s cohort includes second- and third-year law students Elijah Hales, Kyle Johnson, Quinn Kelly, Jake McKinley, and Kimberly West—five dedicated Notre Dame law students committed to making a meaningful difference.
One focus of this fall’s trip was addressing legal issues from the aftermath of the Eric Conn notorious Social Security fraud scheme, a scandal that has impacted thousands of individuals in Kentucky struggling with overpayment debts and disrupted benefits.
Working closely with attorney Ned Pillersdorf, who has tirelessly advocated for Conn’s former clients, the students helped to disseminate vital information regarding recent policy changes from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA announced it would cease collection of overpayments from many affected individuals, providing much-needed relief to those still grappling with the consequences of Conn’s fraudulent activities. Through outreach efforts, the students ensured that this critical information reached individuals navigating the complexities of the SSA system, many of whom had suffered from the burden of unexpected debts.
In addition to their work on Social Security issues, the students participated in various community legal services with AppalReD attorneys. They drafted wills for seniors, which were subsequently reviewed and notarized by attorneys, and assisted individuals in filing for pro se divorces. All services adhered to the income eligibility requirements set forth by AppalReD, the local designee of the Legal Services Corporation. Moreover, the externship involved research on changes to Kentucky law regarding Guardian Ad Litem roles and domestic violence protective orders, enabling students to engage in important discussions about legal reforms aimed at better protecting vulnerable populations.
Beyond legal work, the students participated in community events, further fostering connections with local residents. They celebrated a birthday dinner with Janet Stumbo, the first woman on the Kentucky Supreme Court, and visited the Floyd County Animal Shelter. Additionally, the students engaged with the educational community by attending a board meeting for The David School, a private institution for underprivileged students, which included a friendly basketball game that strengthened ties with local youth and educators.
The Appalachia Externship offers law students invaluable opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts. By actively engaging with the community and addressing pressing legal issues, students not only develop their legal skills but also connect with the people they serve.
As they return to their studies, the students carry with them lessons that extend beyond statutes and case law. They have gained insights into resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of legal advocacy—insights that deepen their commitment to social justice and community service.
The Appalachia Externship exemplifies the vital intersection of legal education and community engagement. By addressing systemic issues in impoverished areas, it offers students a unique lens through which to view their future careers.
Originally published by law.nd.edu on November 13, 2024.
atLatest Research
- New global tool measures climate resilience at the city levelJakarta, Indonesia, faces a paradox. Its economy and population are soaring, but the city itself is sinking. Excessive groundwater use is causing land subsidence of up to ten inches annually. Experts warn that by 2050, the subsidence, combined with rising sea levels and extreme weather, could leave a third of the city underwater. In response, the Indonesian government is weighing plans to relocate the capital at an estimated cost of $35 billion.
- Join the South Bend - Elkhart Manufacturing Accelerator program’s second cohort: Surface Finishing Cobot SystemLowering operating costs, enhancing worker safety and improving throughput without compromising quality are just some of the benefits the South Bend-Elkhart Manufacturing Accelerator’s Surface Finishing Cobots cohort is seeking to provide area companies. The cohort, hosted by University of Notre Dame’s…
- Democracy Initiative awards 40 Democracy Catalyst Grants to projects across campusThe University of Notre Dame’s Democracy Initiative has announced a new round of multi-year investments that will support research and education projects led by Notre Dame faculty and students and convenings that will…
- Notre Dame recognized as a top graduate school for aspiring entrepreneursCurrent ESTEEM program student Sam Kibirige works with 3D printers in the IDEA…
- Student research strengthens State Department’s global conflict prevention workUndergraduate and graduate students at the Keough School are conducting research that will inform policymakers working on global conflict prevention work, thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of State.
- Notre Dame Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic aids in the liberation of Ukrainian priestsNotre Dame Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic helped secure the release of two Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church priests, Fr. Bohdan Geleta and Fr. Ivan Levytskyi, from Russian captivity on Friday, June 28. The Ukrainian priests began their ministry in Berdiansk in 2019. After the full-scale…