The Unemployment Action Center (UAC) is a non-profit, student-run clinic in which law students represent claimants whose qualification for unemployment benefits is challenged by former employers. With branches in seven law schools across New York City and Long Island, UAC is the largest organization of its kind, and more than 11,000 individuals have been represented through UAC since its inception in 1981.

Being part of a clinic is a coveted part of the legal education. Clinics provide a unique and valuable legal experience that is unavailable in the classroom. Students are actively involved in the practical issues that come with representing clients and contributing to society through law.

Claimants represented by UAC student advocates are awarded benefits in nearly 60 percent of the cases in which they are represented. This is a stunning success rate given that the success of claimants without representation is just under 30 percent. Cardozo advocates are also some of the most active members of UAC, representing nearly a quarter of all cases taken by UAC advocates. At a time when unemployment is rampant, our work is critical, especially for those who have no resources to hire a private attorney.

Through UAC, student advocates get experience interviewing claimants, reviewing evidence, formulating legal arguments, speaking before an Administrative Law Judge, cross-examining witnesses and presenting closing statements. Simply put, the experience you’ll gain through UAC is applicable across all fields of law, from litigation to public service to private firms. Beyond experience, an advocate with UAC helps make a difference to those in need.

One of the great parts of advocating with UAC is that you get to create your own schedule. Take as many or as few cases as you’d like! Only have time for one case? Not a problem—you will still make a difference in one person’s life.

To get started, attend our training session in October (keep an eye out for emails and flyers) and you’ll be set to go. We take you through the steps, provide you with a detailed manual and run a few simulations so you can get a feel for the process. We also hold office hours for drop-in support and our student mentors can meet with you and help you with your cases.

UAC provides a legal experience you just can’t get inside a classroom. It’s never too early or too late to join UAC and attend our training session. So, 1Ls, get your semester started off right, and 2Ls and 3Ls who need a refresher or who haven’t been to the training yet, come on down and make a difference today!