Baylor Law Students Serve Central Texas During Spring Quarter 2025

May 9, 2025

Baylor Law School Faculty & Staff pose with Judge J. Patrick Atkins at the Texas Access to Justice Foundation Dinner — Baylor Law School Faculty & Staff pose with Judge J. Patrick Atkins at the 2025 Champions of Justice Gala, celebrating the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, including their support of our legal clinics. (L-R) Rachel Russell, Angela Cruseturner, Tom Featherstone, Patricia Wilson, Hon. J. Patrick Atkins, Stephanie Tang, Josh Borderud, Bridget Fuselier, and Nikkee Espree.

This spring, Baylor Law School students once again demonstrated their commitment to service and access to justice through their volunteer work with three of our legal clinics—Veterans, Estate Planning, and Trial Advocacy. Under the guidance of dedicated faculty, staff, and volunteer local attorneys, these students provided critical legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our Central Texas community.

Serving Those Who Served: Veterans Clinic

Through monthly legal advice clinics at the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop, 12 Baylor Law students partnered with volunteer attorneys to support 42 veteran households. From navigating VA benefits to resolving civil legal issues, these students—Tyler Bischoff, Edgar Garcia, Brooke Johnson, Tom Malaspina, Noah Massaro, Laurel Nalls, James Neiner, Mackenzie Steele, Abby Sutton, Ann Thurmond, Daniel Turnbull, and Camryn Whitman—gained practical experience while making a real difference in the lives of local veterans.

Planning for Peace of Mind: Estate Planning Clinic

Six students used their supervised practice cards to provide vital estate planning services for veterans, first responders, and their spouses. With guidance from Baylor Law faculty, they drafted 18 wills, giving clients and their families peace of mind and ensuring their wishes are protected. The students—Melanie Green, Emily Lentzner, Bianca Lopez, Marlon Morales, Abby Sutton, and Camryn Whitman—demonstrated both legal skills and compassionate service.

Advocating for Youth: Trial Advocacy Clinic

Four students—Vinny Clark, Jose Hernandez, Erin Kitchenka, and Christa Walton—stood up for 28 minors in juvenile detention hearings appointed by 474th District Court Judge Alan Bennett (JD ’90). Representing minors during such a vulnerable time requires not only legal proficiency but also empathy and maturity, which these students displayed in abundance as they helped young people navigate the justice system.

Gratitude for Impact

Behind these students’ meaningful work is a network of support. We are deeply grateful to Clinic Director Josh Borderud and Professors Bridget Fuselier and Tom Featherston for their tireless mentorship and engagement, and to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation for its generous support of our clinical programs. Their commitment to expanding access to legal services ensures our students can continue serving the community while gaining invaluable practical experience.