Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic Expands Access to Justice in Kenya

In giving the gift of Notre Dame, Order of St. Thomas More members empower Notre Dame Lawyers to practice their vocation in communities that need it most, even before they graduate into the field of law. The following is a snippet of an article by Arienne Calingo that illustrates such important work.

Access to justice remains one of the most powerful pillars of the Notre Dame Law School Exoneration Justice Clinic (EJC), directed by Professor Jimmy Gurulé. In partnership with Strathmore University—Notre Dame Law School’s partner university in Kenya—the EJC is creating what Gurulé calls a “global ripple effect,” extending the fight for human dignity and legal rights far beyond U.S. borders. Last semester, the EJC students joined the Strathmore Legal Aid Caravan, a grassroots outreach initiative that brings legal education, awareness, and services directly to communities living far from formal legal services and representation. The Caravan takes place every November and spans five days, reaching rural regions where residents often have little or no access to the legal system. This work will continue as an ongoing, annual commitment.

In November 2025, Professor Gurulé and two third-year law students, Albert Kwon and Ava Moreno, traveled to Narok County, Kenya, visiting communities across the Narok East and Narok West sub-counties. Alongside members of the Strathmore Law Clinic, they listened to the stories of the Maasai People, educated residents about their legal rights, and conducted formal intakes of cases from individuals seeking assistance. 

The Caravan also assessed community understanding of the Kenyan Constitution and the legal protections it guarantees, and facilitated human rights training sessions to deepen legal awareness and answer questions.

At the heart of this initiative lies an essential dimension of a Notre Dame Law School education: service beyond the courtroom.

Notre Dame Law School’s fight for justice is not theoretical; it is lived, shoulder-to-shoulder, with communities around the world. It demonstrates real-world problem-solving, cultural humility, measurable social impact, and a commitment to ensuring that legal education serves and empowers communities far beyond the courtroom. The Strathmore Legal Aid Caravan serves as a powerful extension of Notre Dame Law School’s mission to “educate a different kind of lawyer”—one grounded in service, dignity, and global solidarity.

You can read more about the work of Professor Gurulé and two third-year law students, Albert Kwon and Ava Moreno, in the original article by Arienne Calingo on the Law School website ›