College of Law

Tax Clinic Adapts to Meet Community Needs

Nov. 5, 2020

Universities and community service organizations have changed their process to achieve their core functions in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. For the Tax Controversy Clinic, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at The University of Toledo College of Law, operational changes were required for the clinic to continue meeting both its educational and community outreach objectives.

When the University moved classes to a remote setting in the spring, clinic staff and student attorneys were quick to adapt so that they could continue active cases. "We had robust electronic practice management software and secure communications in place," says Clinic Director Chris Bourell from his home office. "The technology allowed student attorneys to continue their work on active cases seamlessly."

The clinic continued to accept new cases and to offer consultations, but it was limited in its abilities. Communicating solely with clients over the phone or by email proved less than ideal. Over the summer, the clinic established systems to have secure virtual meetings with existing and potential clients. Current student attorney Shelby Miller explains, "it can be difficult to start working on a case having never seen the client face-to-face. I appreciate that we can meet with clients while safe at their homes in Toledo, or even with those out of the state or country." The clinic now offers free consultations both as a virtual meeting or by telephone, depending on the taxpayer's needs.

In addition to representing taxpayers with their matters, the clinic also serves to educate both the law students and the community. With its in-person events canceled, the clinic came up with new ways to reach out directly and virtually, offering free tax discussions and question-and-answer sessions safely online. Although he recognizes the technological barriers that some taxpayers may face attending, Bourell opines, "While we thoroughly enjoy our in-person events, the clinic needed to create new ways to help the community and to stay healthy. The online events are also more flexible, allowing people to attend who might otherwise not have the time or transportation for an in-person event."

The next online public tax discussion is scheduled for early November, and the clinic plans to offer another event in December. The clinic continues to advise all taxpayers with free consultations as well. More information can be obtained by email to info@ttcc.law or by phone at 419-684-8822.