Notre Dame Law students help protect families facing eviction

June 29, 2026

University Contributors

Three people standing on a porch, one in a black jacket, one in a blue button down and jacket, and one in a pink t-shirt, smiling while standing by a sign that reads Notre Dame Clinical Law Center

The original article, written by Brendan O’Shaughnessy and produced by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, was shared on Notre Dame Stories.

At Notre Dame Law School, students in the Eviction Clinic are gaining hands-on experience while helping clients who might otherwise face the legal system alone.

One recent case involved Elkhart resident Tina McQueary, who had spent years restoring a house she believed she was buying through a land contract. After her landlord sued her, McQueary faced the possibility of losing the home she had built with her son and where she now cares for five of her grandchildren.

Through the Eviction Clinic, David Pruitt, director of the Clinical Law Center, and Notre Dame Law students Bennett Rogers and Jacob Orme helped guide the case through trial and appeals. Their successful representation allowed McQueary and her family to keep their home.

Learning through service

Notre Dame Law School has offered real-world clinical programs for more than 65 years. Today, its 10 experiential learning programs give students the opportunity to serve clients, build legal skills, and put the Law School’s commitment to justice into practice.

In the Eviction Clinic, students work on cases that affect housing stability, tenant rights, and families across Indiana. The clinic also advances broader advocacy efforts, including work with Indiana State Senator Liz Brown ’80 to support automatic sealing of dismissed eviction cases, helping renters avoid long-term harm from unsuccessful filings.

Read the full article from Notre Dame Stories ›

Order of St. Thomas More members help make possible the teaching, mentorship, and hands-on learning that form Notre Dame lawyers for lives of service. Through your generosity, students gain the experience to become skilled advocates while providing meaningful support to people and families in need. Thank you for helping Notre Dame advance justice, strengthen communities, and educate a Different Kind of Lawyer.

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