UNLV Law Professor Courtney Cross Advocates for Marginalized Survivors through Legal Clinic Initiatives
In an era where access to justice remains a significant challenge for many, the work of legal advocates committed to serving marginalized communities is more vital than ever. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), William S. Boyd School of Law professor Courtney Cross exemplifies this dedication through her leadership of the Survivor Representation & Advocacy Clinic. Her work not only impacts individual lives but also pushes forward the broader agenda of legal reform and social justice, especially for survivors of power-based violence who often face systemic obstacles.
Understanding UNLV’s Commitment to Legal Advocacy and Survivor Support
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has built a reputation not just for academic excellence but also for its commitment to community engagement and social justice initiatives. The William S. Boyd School of Law’s Survivor Representation & Advocacy Clinic stands out as a prime example, providing legal services to individuals experiencing or at risk of traumatic violence. This clinic offers critical assistance such as protection orders, name changes, record sealing, and representation during parole hearings, clemency, and pardon proceedings.
Operating within the university’s broader mission to serve the community, the clinic emphasizes the importance of legal advocacy that centers the voices of the most vulnerable. The clinic’s approach aligns with UNLV’s dedication to inclusivity and empowering marginalized populations, recognizing that traditional narratives often exclude survivors with complex backgrounds or those who are not viewed through a stereotypical lens.
Professor Courtney Cross’s Personal and Professional Journey
Professor Courtney Cross’s journey into legal advocacy is rooted in her passion for supporting survivors of power-based violence. Her dedication has been evident for over a decade, focusing on individuals with limited access to legal help. Her personal reflection includes a nostalgic nod to her own law school days, where a professor inspired her to take on difficult cases that others might shy away from, instilling a relentless commitment to justice.
Her work at UNLV’s clinic signifies a broader shift in legal practice—one that emphasizes compassion, respect, and strategic advocacy for survivors who are often marginalized within the justice system. Cross’s focus on serving the most underserved underscores her belief that every survivor deserves the opportunity for a second chance, legal protection, and acknowledgment of their dignity.
Notable Cases and Impactful Victories
One of Professor Cross’s most celebrated achievements in spring 2025 was securing clemency for a client who had spent 35 years in prison. This milestone victory was not only a testament to her dedication but also a powerful example of how legal advocacy can facilitate transformative change. The case involved intensive efforts, from working with clients from the beginning of the year to representing him before the Nevada Pardons Board, culminating in his release and reunion with his family after decades of incarceration.
Such victories provide tangible proof of the clinic’s effectiveness and demonstrate the significant difference that committed legal professionals can make. They also serve as powerful educational moments for students involved in the clinic, immersing them in real-world advocacy that defies stereotypes and underscores the importance of nuanced, survivor-centered legal representation.
Myth Busting: What Survivors Are Not
A common misconception, as Professor Cross highlights, is that survivors of trauma are difficult to work with. In reality, survivors are often resilient, strategic, and caring individuals who inspire those around them. Recognizing their strength and humanity is a cornerstone of the clinic’s philosophy. This perspective fosters a more empathetic approach to advocacy and helps dismantle harmful stereotypes that can hinder the pursuit of justice.
How UNLV’s Clinic Prepares Students for Real-World Legal Practice
By working closely with clients who are often overlooked or marginalized, students in the Survivor Representation & Advocacy Clinic develop critical skills in legal strategy, client communication, and cultural competency. Professor Cross emphasizes that her students learn the importance of respecting clients’ autonomy, understanding their lived experiences, and advocating effectively within complex legal and social frameworks.
This experiential learning environment equips future lawyers with the tools to serve diverse populations and advocate for social change beyond the classroom. It underscores UNLV’s mission to prepare students not just for successful legal careers but also for impactful community service.
Balancing Work and Wellbeing in Advocacy
Advocates like Professor Cross recognize that legal work focusing on trauma and systemic inequities can be emotionally taxing. To maintain personal resilience, she advocates for self-care practices such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and finding moments of joy amid challenging work. Her personal routines—like enjoying vegan ice cream or watching RuPaul’s Drag Race—highlight the importance of sustaining oneself to continue serving others effectively.
Encouraging Future Legal Advocates
Cross encourages aspiring lawyers to approach this work with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to justice. Her experience underscores that meaningful legal advocacy begins with listening, understanding, and respecting the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities.
If you’re interested in pursuing a legal career that makes a difference, UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law offers programs and clinics dedicated to social justice and community service. Explore UNLV Law’s Survivor Representation & Advocacy Clinic to learn how you can engage in impactful legal work and contribute to meaningful change.
Conclusion: Building a More Equitable Justice System
Professor Courtney Cross’s work at UNLV exemplifies how dedicated legal advocates can help build a more equitable and compassionate justice system. By focusing on empowering survivors and amplifying marginalized voices, her efforts demonstrate that justice is not just about legal victory but about restoring dignity and agency to those who need it most.
Whether you’re a student contemplating a career in law or a community member interested in social justice, supporting and engaging with initiatives like the UNLV Survivor Representation & Advocacy Clinic can lead to real change. Consider exploring how your skills and passions can contribute to this important mission and help create a more inclusive legal landscape.
