The eight legal clinics that operate through Texas A&M University School of Law hosted a grand opening in its new home of a 5,200 square foot space in the Star-Telegram building on 7th Street in downtown Fort Worth on Friday, Feb. 12.

Representing more than 70 staff, adjunct faculty and students, these clinics service clients from across the world, in matters ranging from family law to veterans benefits to intellectual property. Selection of clients is based on a variety of criteria, including financial need.

With the expansion of its footprint into downtown Fort Worth, the school can more effectively service clinic clients and also accommodate growth on its main campus. The move follows a chapter of unprecedented growth for the law school, including the addition of more than a dozen new faculty.

The grand opening began with a reception of open doors to offices and classrooms that contained Aggie give-aways for the guests.

Local attorneys, judiciary members and other elected officials were in attendance to meet with the clinic staff, faculty and students.

Distinguished guests included Tom Wilder, Tarrant County District Clerk; Maria Thomas-Jones, CEO of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas; Trisha Graham, Director of the Tarrant County Bar Association; the Hon. Bob McCoy, Second District Court of Appeals judge; and many more.

Director of the Family Law and Benefits Clinic Charlotte Hughart was very impressed with the attendance.

“We appreciate that so many people attended the open house to welcome us into our new offices,” she said.

The evening concluded with a gathering in front of the building for a countdown ​by Dean and Anthony G. Buzbee Dean’s Endowed Chair Andrew Morriss to spotlight the law school flag on the building. ​Music from Mondo Drummers contributed to the festive atmosphere.

Braxton Bragg (’14), Program Coordinator ​for the Center for Law and Intellectual Property, which ​includes three clinics, said the legal clinics have helped the local community for many years, and called the grand opening a “great success.”

“With this new expansion of our clinical programs, we look forward to being able to help even more members of the community with their legal issues,” he said.

The Texas A&M ​legal clinics benefit both the community they serve and the students who participate. The clinics are dedicated to providing crucial legal services to underserved members of the community free of charge, embodying Texas A&M’s core value of service to the citizens of Texas as a land-grant institution.

For Aggie law students, it’s an incredible opportunity to gain real-world legal experience working directly with clients. The practical skills and experiential learning opportunities the students gain in the clinics are valuable to employers and essential to success in law practice.

Click here for more information on the legal clinics.

- Article by Jennifer Nassar, Communications Specialist, Texas A&M University School of Law