University of Louisville law school launches new immigration law clinic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law has launched an immigration law clinic.

The clinic is housed in the Legal Aid Society building in downtown Louisville. It will serve clients who are authorized to be in the U.S. and Kentucky, but don't have the requisite documentation to prove it, according to a news release.

Students will work under the supervision of Chris Kozoll, a former U.S. immigration judge and clinic director. The students will represent clients and assist them in completing the required paperwork to attain legal status and a path toward citizenship.

Louisville Metro Government estimates the immigrant share of Jefferson County residents could exceed 18% by 2040. It is the fastest growing population in Louisville.

Kozoll said much of the foreign-born population who are eligible to apply for work permits or permanent status lack access to legal representation.

UofL received $1.5 million in funding during the 2024 legislative session for the new clinic to help eligible immigrants move through the process and transition into the workforce.

"This is the type of collaboration and synergy that has a long-lasting impact for the commonwealth," Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said in a news release. "This funding represents a win-win for University of Louisville law students who will gain valuable experience as they develop into the next generation of immigration law attorneys, and for immigrants in the community to legally enter the workforce and become significant contributors to the local economy."

According to a news release, the new clinic is the sixth offered at Brandeis School of Law, joining others in domestic violence, mediation, eviction defense, elder law and entrepreneurship.

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