CPIAC Partners with Greater Boston Legal Services to Expand Access to Legal Services and Train Next Generation of Immigration Advocates
10.05.2025 — Northeastern Law’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration has partnered with Greater Boston Legal Services’ (GBLS) Immigration Unit to address the growing need for free immigration legal services in the region. As the gap between demand for legal services and available resources continues to widen, student volunteers provide critical pro bono assistance across a variety of immigration law matters. The partnership is both a lifeline for underserved communities and a training ground for the next generation of lawyers committed to pro bono work. This hands-on initiative exemplifies Northeastern Law's commitment to experiential learning while meeting critical community needs.
Through this partnership, Northeastern Law students will provide pro bono legal assistance to immigrants in the Greater Boston area. Student volunteers will commit to at least 30 hours of work over the fall semester and their responsibilities will span a broad spectrum of immigration matters. Students will assist clients with pro se asylum applications and draft various motions, including motions to reopen proceedings, motions to administratively close or terminate proceedings, motions in opposition to dismissal and motions to change venue. This work complements Northeastern Law’s existing Immigrant Justice Clinic by expanding Northeastern’s capacity to serve a higher volume of clients with more student volunteers involved.
“GBLS contributes decades of experience serving low-income communities and CPIAC brings a deep commitment to pro bono service and the experiential learning model that defines Northeastern's approach to legal education,” said Renay Frankel ’06, CPIAC’s managing director. “This partnership allows us to reach many more individuals who would otherwise navigate our complex immigration system alone.”
About Northeastern University School of Law
The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,100 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.
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