North Dakota Legal Needs Assessment for Civil Matters

Clinical Legal Education - North Dakota Legal Needs Assessment for Civil Matters

Students enrolled in the Clinical Education Program (“the Law Clinic”) at the University of North Dakota School of Law have opportunities to engage in a variety of public research and service projects. These projects round out the Law Clinic experience, which also includes participation on classroom seminars, live-client representation of otherwise unrepresented individuals and groups, and associated litigation responsibilities.

One of the projects designed and executed by students who were enrolled in the Law Clinic between spring 2006 and spring 2007 was the North Dakota Civil Legal Needs Assessment (“Legal Needs Assessment”).

In conducting this research project, Law Clinic students aimed to explore the legal issues facing lower-income and under-represented residents of North Dakota.

Particular emphasis was placed on identifying the types of legal needs that remain unmet. Law Clinic students gathered data from individuals across North Dakota in order to determine the extent and nature of legal rights that are not pursued because legal representation is unavailable.

The Executive Report, prepared by former Law Clinic student Joy M. Bingham with the assistance of Professor Jackson, details the results of study and the conclusions that were reached. This report may be downloaded by clicking on the text below:

North Dakota Legal Needs Assessment (pdf)

Legal Needs Assessment Questionnaire (pdf)

If you are interested in understanding the challenges of the legal system and the areas in which the availability of legal services in North Dakota can be improved, we invite you to consider the findings and conclusions of the Legal Needs Assessment. It is our hope that this information can and will be used to assist in developing ways we can improve our state and its legal services.

We invite your comments and suggestions concerning the issues raised by the Legal Needs Assessment, as well as ideas for any subsequent steps that can be taken. Please contact the Law Clinic with your feedback.