Moderate Means Program
The Center for Law in Public Service oversees Gonzaga’s participation in the statewide Moderate Means Program. Through the Moderate Means Program, law students work to
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| CLIPS Assistant Director Laurie Powers works with student volunteers conducting a mock client interview. |
provide access to justice to people of “moderate means”: those who make too much to qualify for legal aid but not enough to retain an attorney at market rates.
CLIPS’ staff attorney recruits, trains and supervises law student volunteers who handle client intake, case assessment and referral to private attorneys for reduced-fee representation. The program focuses on the highest legal needs for low and moderate income Washingtonians: family law, housing law, and consumer law.
To Volunteer
The Moderate Means Program is a partnership between the Washington State Bar Association and Washington’s three law schools. For information about volunteering with the Moderate Means Program, click here. (pdf)
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Student Experiences
“After a year spent solely in the classroom, it was a nice change of pace to begin working with clients through the Moderate Means Program. In dealing with clients, I started to see the bigger picture of the law I learned in the classroom. More importantly, though, the Program provided me the opportunity to aid a sector of the population that has repeatedly fallen through the cracks. While many people qualify as "moderate means," so few resources are available to help these individuals access justice. This experience tangibly reminded me that it is both my duty and privilege to legally advocate for those in need, not just those who can afford it. “
– Molly Rose Fehringer, 2L
“The Moderate Means client interviews allow for practical application of the principles being learned in all of my classes. Having real facts, emotions, timelines and clients has been more beneficial to my legal education than any hypothetical taught in a class.”
– Douglas Dick, 2L
For More Information
Laurie Powers, J.D.
Assistant Director, CLIPS
(509) 313-3688
Email
Cindy Arlt
CLIPS Program Coordinator
(509) 313-3740
Email
an innovative and holistic approach to creating compassionate counselors committed
to public service and social justice.