University Times

The School of Law with the support of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission has established the Securities Arbitration Clinic, slated to open in the fall term.

One of only 17 such clinics in the United States, the clinic will give Pitt law students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in investigating claims and representing clients in every step of the arbitration process. Students also will be taught the skills necessary to represent investors involved in disputes with their broker-dealers.

The clinic will offer free legal representation to small investors who cannot afford it or to those whose claims are too small to obtain private counsel. It also will provide legal representation to individuals who may be underrepresented in a complex administrative and judicial system. Preference will be given to senior citizens and to Pennsylvania residents.

Alice L. Stewart, adjunct Pitt professor of law; Sandy Garfinkel, a partner at Eckert Seamans Cherin and Mellot, and Scott Lane, deputy chief counsel of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission, will oversee the clinic.

Stewart assisted in the development of securities arbitration clinics at Northwestern University, Suffolk University and Howard University law schools.

For more information, contact Stewart at 412/648-1300 or als243@pitt.edu.