Albany Law School has launched its newest experiential learning opportunity, the Housing Justice Clinic, designed to immerse students in real-world eviction defense and client advocacy. This Housing Justice Clinic is the sixth clinic within the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center at Albany Law School. 

The clinic, directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Law Jasmin Elena Torres, will give students the opportunity to develop essential legal skills through direct client representation in New York housing court, focusing on eviction defense, ethical client advocacy, and the complexities of housing law.

“The Housing Justice Clinic is designed to provide students with an immersive experience in the practice of housing law from day one,” said Professor Torres. “Students will gain a deep understanding of the statutes and procedures that shape housing law in New York, but also what it means to serve as an ethical and compassionate advocate for clients who are facing the loss of their homes.”

Through the clinic, students will work in pairs on no more than two cases at a time, representing tenants in nonpayment of rent and holdover cases. Each student team will interview and counsel clients, evaluate legal strategies, draft and file court documents including, Answers, Motions, Subpoenas, and Settlement Agreements. Students will appear in court to make oral arguments, speak on the record, and negotiate with opposing counsel or pro se landlords, under the guidance of a supervising attorney. When appropriate, students will also engage in out-of-court advocacy to reach favorable resolutions for their clients.

“A central tenet of the clinic is the recognition of lawyers’ ethical obligations to their clients. This will teach students not only to learn the mechanics of housing law but also the responsibility and empathy required in real-world legal practice,” said Professor Sarah Rogerson, Director of the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center. 

Before joining Albany Law School, Professor Torres served as Associate Director of Career Planning at CUNY School of Law, where she developed mentoring programs and career initiatives for students and alumni. Earlier in her legal career, she was a Senior Staff Attorney at Manhattan Legal Services, one of New York City’s largest providers of free legal service, where she represented low-income tenants and members of the HIV/LGBTQ+ community in housing, immigration, discrimination, and public benefits matters.

Professor Torres holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. in Sociology from the State University of New York at New Paltz. A native of New York City, she began her career in public service, working with the New York City Council and the New York City Campaign Finance Board, where she developed her enduring passion for advocacy and community engagement.