The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law is relaunching its immigration clinic in fall 2027 following an anonymous financial gift.
The pro-bono legal education program originally launched in 1998, giving law students hands-on casework experience while serving local immigrants. Operations ceased in May after professor Kevin Ruser stepped away from running the clinic to focus on classroom teaching, Nebraska Public Media reported.
Funding the Next Generation of Attorneys
College of Law Dean Richard Moberly said an anonymous donor learned of the closure and provided an undisclosed sum that secures the clinic’s operating budget for at least three years and up to five years.
“We’ve always been thoughtful that if we were able to find funding for it, that this would be something we’d want to restart,” Moberly said.
Moberly said that community members and students expressed disappointment when the clinic went dark earlier this year. Students unable to enroll in the in-house clinic instead participated in externships to gain more experience in immigration.
The fresh capital will fund a dedicated director for the program. Leadership is actively searching for a qualified professional who can manage the program for students and clients.
Hiring a New Director for Fall 2027
Brett Stohs, director of clinical programs and professor at the College of Law, is leading the search for the upcoming director. Stohs indicated that the clinic and its capabilities will depend on the new director.
The administration aims to secure an experienced professional committed to teaching the next generation of immigration attorneys.
“Our community never wanted this program to go away, and it’s always a challenge in an academic setting because so much of what we do is dependent upon having someone willing to invest their time and professional energy into a program,” Stohs told Nebraska Public Media.
| Milestone | Timeline | Operational Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Launch | 1998 | Active Pro-Bono Services |
| Program Closure | May | Suspended Due to Faculty Shift |
| Expected Restart | Fall 2027 | Targeted Return Under New Director |
The immigration law clinic will officially resume operations in fall 2027.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
