On Sept. 16, the College of Law broke ground to officially begin the construction of the Alan K Simpson Center for Legal Service.
“I’m looking forward to the promise that this law school offers the state in so many different ways, not just in terms of educating future lawyers, but in preparing our students to live a life of public service as well,” Klinton Alexander, Dean of the College of Law, said.
The building intends to bring together law students and the public by rehousing and creating several spaces for existing and new practicum clinics.
“We have two, three clinics in the building in small spaces, but the spaces weren’t designed for legal clinics back in the 1970s because that was the era that preceded the lead the shift in legal education towards [practicum] clinics,” Alexander said.
Originally planned to start in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, the College of Law was finally given the go-ahead to start construction.
“The origins of the project date back to the ABA, the American Bar Association accreditation site visit of 2013 where it was noticed that our clinics are located in a separate annex facility across campus,” Alexander said.
The center will have a client reception room, interview rooms, a separate entrance for the public whereby they would enter separately than students, a sweep of new technology, and a tribute to celebrate the College of Law’s 100th anniversary.
“I see this as an important step towards the next 100 years to educate our students”
Klinton Alexander
“I see this as an important step towards the next 100 years to educate our students, train them, open their eyes to the world and go out and lead and make a difference,” Alexander said.
“Most other law schools around the country have upgraded their facilities and it’s time that we did as well, to show respect for legal education and present opportunities for our students in the 21st century.”
The project is expected to take 18 to 24 months, or to be completed by the Summer of 2024.
