Drake University - Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinics

2400 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA - 50311
Phone Number: (515) 271-3851
Fax Number: (515) 271-4100

Through the Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinic, students have the chance to gain practical experience by working with actual clients. The clinic also serves the community by helping those who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.


In the Children's Rights Clinic, students represent abused or neglected children as their guardian-ad litem and attorney in Child In Need of Assistance proceedings as well as juveniles in delinquency proceedings. Students gather facts, draft legal documents, advocate for their clients, and participate in court hearings in addition to attending weekly classes and case reviews.


Drake's Elder Law Clinic offers Drake Law students the opportunity to give legal assistance to clients over 60 years of age. The Elder Law Clinic accepts clients year-round. In order to qualify for this clinic, you must be 60 years or older and live in Polk County. The Elder Law Clinic takes many types of cases, but will not accept bankruptcy or personal injury cases. Various criteria are used to determine which cases are accepted, including the difficulty of the case, the educational value to the student, and the availability of student attorneys.


In the General Civil Practice Clinic, students represent clients who could not otherwise afford legal assistance. Typical cases include landlord/tenant disputes, divorce and custody matters, domestic abuse, contempt proceedings, guardianships, and small claims. Students conduct intakes, interviews, and fact investigations; draft legal documents; handle negotiations; and represent clients in court hearings and trials, including jury trials. The General Civil Practice Clinic has two intake days per year, typically in August and January. During intake days, family law cases are accepted, including custody, divorce (with or without children), and modifications to decrees. Certain types of cases may still be accepted after the intake days, including small claims (under $5,000), landlord/tenant (excluding evictions), guardianship, domestic abuse, step-parent adoption, and denied unemployment cases.


Mission Statement: Drake Law School prepares graduates to promote justice, serve their communities, and uphold the ideals of ethics and professionalism. We cultivate critical thinking and professional skills, provide opportunities to acquire global perspectives, and engage in public service. We foster an exceptional learning environment in a welcoming and inclusive community distinguished by accessible and accomplished faculty and staff and a collegial student body.

User questions & answers

Are you familiar with Drake University - Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinics? Help LegalAidOffices.com users find out answers.

We publish all Helpful information.
Have you ever used this office for anything? What did you think?

Have you ever used this office for anything? What did you think?

What legal problem are looking for help on?

What legal problem are looking for help on?

Elder Law
Saturday, February 10, 2024

Elder Law

post residential closing real estate issue
Tuesday, August 23, 2022

post residential closing real estate issue

Medicaid Appeal
Friday, February 4, 2022

Medicaid Appeal

write a simple will
Wednesday, September 8, 2021

write a simple will

3 Comments

2021-05-29 02:10:19

I am trying to get help with an attorney for immigration to get my husband here from Accura Africa? I was married in Africa and I would love for him to come to America with me. He also plays semi-pro soccer which he would love to continue to do that here in the United States.

2021-09-08 10:36:21

I would like to have someone write a simple will for me. I am 81 yrs old and live on Social Security, Could you help me?

2022-08-23 04:41:04

I was given your clinic's name by a law firm that works on pre-closing real estate transactions. Our son purchased a home in the greater Des Moines area earlier this year, and a significant statement was made in the Seller Disclosure that turns out was far from true. We are trying to find a post-closing real estate attorney to discuss possible legal action against the former owners. I was told that your clinic could provide us with some attorneys working in this law area.

Leave a Comment

Contact form submitted!
We will be in touch soon.

Search for Legal Aid Offices

Find legal aid in your state or zip code.
OR

Important Information

Legal Aid Funding
Legal aid professionals and organizations oftentimes receive government funding for taking on cases with those who cannot afford attorneys. For the most part, funding is limited so legal aid entities can only take on a limited amount of cases. Qualifications are often rigid.

Resources




Closest Area Legal Aid Offices