Crisis Policy Roles examines the often-overlooked potential of law students in addressing public legal crises, arguing for their strategic mobilization. It highlights how these students, with proper supervision, can provide vital support through research, community engagement, and advocacy. The book illustrates that law students can develop practical skills and contribute meaningfully to urgent legal needs while aiding overwhelmed legal professionals and vulnerable populations.

The book progresses by first defining “public legal crises” and tracing the evolution of student involvement in legal aid. It then details student contributions, featuring case studies where student-led investigations informed policy responses to housing crises and environmental disasters. It uniquely compiles direct interviews with students and faculty involved in crisis response, offering first-hand perspectives.

The exploration emphasizes the importance of partnering with community organizations to ensure student efforts align with community needs and priorities. This multi-faceted approach, considering perspectives from law students, legal educators, and crisis-affected communities, makes the book valuable for law students, legal educators, policymakers, and legal professionals involved in crisis response efforts. It emphasizes ethical considerations and best practices for incorporating law students into crisis response, ensuring student well-being while maximizing their impact in providing legal aid and student advocacy during times of societal upheaval.

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