Trivia Night Raises Record Amount for UK Law Legal Clinic

Oct 4, 2017

Events, Faculty, Student Organizations, Students, Allison Connelly, Franklin L Runge

October 4, 2017

30 teams battled it out at HopCat last month for the University of Kentucky College of Law’s third annual Trivia Night. A record $1,540 was raised by students, faculty and staff to benefit the UK Law Legal Clinic.

Approximately 200 members of the UK Law community came out to answer questions in categories that included horse racing, Kentucky sports, and bourbon. The money raised will go towards purchasing Thanksgiving dinners, and covering filing fees and other costs for Legal Clinic clients.

The Legal Clinic is directed by Professor and former Kentucky Public Advocate Allison Connelly (UK Law ’83). Under the Kentucky Supreme Court’s limited practice rule, and with the supervision of Prof. Connelly, third-year law students represent clients before state agencies and in state court proceedings. Students also interview clients, draft legal documents, file pleadings and conduct discovery.

“Prof. Connelly is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Her altruistic heart and glowing personality inspires everyone she meets – and she has certainly inspired me,” said third-year law student Trevor Nichols. Nichols spearheaded this year’s event with help from the Student Bar Association (SBA) and Faculty Services Librarian Franklin L. Runge, who served as the master of ceremonies.

The Clinic offers an exceptional introduction to the realities of legal practice and client representation, whether choosing to pursue a career in public interest law or private practice.

“Law students can gain real-life legal experience, all while making an impact on the lives of actual people. There is no other experience in law school like it,” said Nichols.

Nichols hopes that Trivia Night becomes a longstanding tradition at UK Law and continues to grow each year.

“This event would not have been possible without Professor Connelly, Ms. Lisa Fenner, Professor Franklin Runge, the Student Bar Association, all of our generous donors, and the entire UK Law community,” he said.