On Wednesday, April 9, 2026, Catholic Law hosted the DC Bar Pro Bono Center's Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Law students Noah Cliften (2D), Tays Troutman (1L), Sabah Vahdatshoar (3L), Lauren Hayes (1L), Joshua Magee (1L), and Andi Jordon (3E) stepped up to lend a hand. Students teamed up with peers from other local law schools to support volunteer attorneys during the busy event. Together, this dedicated group helped guide local business owners through the complex legal steps of running a company.
Throughout the clinic, students gained hands-on experience by assisting more than 30 clients with the legal intake process. They worked directly with local entrepreneurs to field questions across a wide variety of legal specialties. Students tackled real-world issues ranging from how to start a small business and manage employment law to handling intellectual property, real estate, and taxation. The event gave them a unique chance to practice their skills while making an immediate impact.
Two students from Catholic Law reflected on the value of their clinic participation. Andi Jordon shared, "The clinic provided me the opportunity to engage with not only small business members of the DC Community but also attorneys who assisted and provided legal expertise to assist community members. For someone who hopes to practice law in DC after graduation it was a privilege to get a glimpse of some of the legal issues that come up in the District." Tays Troutman added, "As a first year, the clinic presents an invaluable opportunity to interface with real clients that have real legal questions and issues. It helped me to ground my legal education and remember that the core duty of the profession is to be in service to others."
This collaborative effort builds on a long history of community support. Since 1999, the DC Bar Pro Bono Center has empowered small business owners through its Small Business Legal Assistance Program. By offering essential legal guidance to entrepreneurs across the District, the program ensures that local shops and services can grow and thrive. The recent clinic at Catholic Law proves that the next generation of legal professionals is eager and ready to carry that important mission forward.
Students interested in pro bono work over the summer should reach out to Rachel Lawrence, Associate Director for Pro Bono & Public Interest Career Development in the Office of Career and Professional Development at lawrencera@cua.edu.