Every now and then, a glint in someone’s eye takes on life and becomes a reality. This is how the new Senior Law Clinic soon to be unveiled on the new Raleigh campus of the Campbell University Law School came about.

Most of you know I’m a very proud Campbell Law School alumnus, and last year the school’s fantastic new dean, Melissa Essary, asked me to think about and suggest some "hands-on" clinic ideas for the school when it opens in downtown Raleigh in September 2009. I told Dean Essary I didn’t need to think about it, I knew the clinic I hoped to see – a Senior Law Clinic focusing on the legal needs of seniors with limited or no financial means.

In her usual energetic fashion, Dean Essary took the Senior Law Clinic idea back to her faculty "clinic committee" for discussion, vetting and exploration, and in February 2009 we received the fabulous news from Britt Davis, the school’s director of development, that the Senior Law Clinic is one of two or three clinic ideas from dozens the law school received that had made the cut. The clinic is now a reality, in part because of a generous donation by Progress Energy to help it get off the ground and fund its director and programs.

The Senior Law Clinic will be one of only a handful of such clinics in the nation and will help train students through hands-on, real-time work with low-income seniors who need help with advance directives, housing issues and a host of other legal issues they face. Many details about the clinic have to be worked out, but Campbell has formally announced its creation. From a personal viewpoint, I’m so happy to see this development. The clinic not only will train badly needed young lawyers on senior issues, but will whet their appetite for this work, which I’ve enjoyed for so many years. And it affords a great opportunity for the long-term care industry to give back to the seniors we all exist to serve.

Okay, so now you know where I’m heading with this, right? You got it – I’ll be dialing for dollars soon, asking some of our loyal clients, colleagues and industry friends to help out financially with the clinic. I hope you’ll really consider this opportunity. I know the economy stinks, which means two things: 1) low-income seniors need our help now more than ever, and 2) even a small gift will make a big difference, as charitable giving continues to decline nationwide.

I hope the clinic will make a difference for seniors in this state. And I hope our industry will look for ways to partner with Campbell on this exciting project, whether financially or otherwise. The possibilities, I think, are endless. Stay tuned for more about Campbell Law School’s new Senior Law Clinic.