Laura Barrera is director of a new immigration law clinic at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law.

When Laura Barrera entered law school, she knew she wanted to make a career out of defending people against oppressive systems.

Now, years later, Barrera is helping law students learn how to do the same through a new immigration law clinic at Ohio State University. 

Working as a team:New program trains non-lawyers to assist asylum seekers who have no legal counsel

The clinic, which starts in the fall, will be a combination of classroom time and real-world experience that will give up to eight students at the Moritz College of Law the opportunity to learn how to represent immigrants in legal proceedings, often those that could end in their removal from the country.

“It’s really special as a student to have that opportunity to learn to provide a real service to people and helping people while also having a space where someone is an expert and they can ask questions,” Barrera said. “We’re often helping people stay with their families and helping people stay safe.”