Baylor Law School’s Family Law Clinic Triples Impact in Second Year

Baylor Law School’s Family Law Clinic is thriving in its second year, expanding both its reach and community impact. Established to support self-represented litigants navigating complex family law matters in McLennan County, the Clinic served 162 clients this academic year, assisting more than three times as many clients as it did during its inaugural year. Notably, the Clinic also assisted its first Spanish-speaking clients, marking an important step toward broader access to legal support.

The Family Law Clinic also recently received a grant from the Bernard & Audre Rapoport Foundation in Waco, whose commitment to meeting basic human needs and strengthening individual and community resilience closely aligns with the Clinic’s mission to support families navigating some of life’s most challenging legal circumstances.

Under the leadership of Clinic founder Professor Stephanie Tang, the Clinic provides Baylor Law School students with invaluable, hands-on experience. Students engage directly with clients, honing their skills in client counseling and written advocacy, while gaining firsthand exposure to the challenges individuals face in family law disputes. The Clinic focuses on empowering clients with the resources and guidance they need to move their cases forward, especially those who might not have access to full legal representation.

The Clinic’s impact is reflected in client feedback. One client shared through the Clinic’s exit survey, “I walked in feeling extremely nervous. When I left, I had so much more confidence in what I was doing. They definitely alleviated some of my anxiety.” Another wrote, “This was really amazing and helpful. I lost hope until now. Thank you.”

“I am so unbelievably proud of the growth of the Baylor Law School Family Law Clinic this year,” Professor Tang stated. “I am so grateful for every student who volunteered their time, stayed late, and showed up for our clients. Watching them each grow in their confidence as attorneys, in their pleading drafting skills, and their empathy and compassion towards our clients going through the most emotionally difficult times of their lives has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Baylor.”

This model aligns with Baylor Law School’s longstanding commitment to experiential learning. By placing students in active roles, the Clinic sharpens their legal judgment and builds confidence while helping them navigate client-centered matters that deeply affect families. For students, the experience leaves a lasting impression. One participant shared with Professor Tang, “The Clinic has been such a wonderful learning experience and opportunity to serve. Thank you for all your work putting on the Clinic and helping me grow as a counselor.”