Tenant Assistance Project | College of Law

The Tenant Assistance Project officially launched in April 2020, as the state's first moratorium on eviction was set to expire.

Prior to the Tenant Assistance Project, tenants would arrive at court unrepresented and often agree to an immediate eviction because they couldn’t navigate the legal process themselves. Now, when tenants arrive for their hearing, they are greeted by a team of volunteers ready to help, and in nearly 98% of the cases, the tenant is able to avoid immediate eviction.

More than half of the Tenant Assistance Project volunteers in Lancaster County are law students. They create eviction defense packets, notify tenants of hearings and resources available, and represent tenants during eviction hearings.

Since its inception, the program has helped keep more than 2,000 families in their homes and connect tenants to resources, including over $20 million in federal aid or rental assistance.

Volunteer Opportunities

All students at the University of Nebraska College of Law can volunteer with the Tenant Assistance Project to help prevent evictions in Lancaster County. Time spent volunteering with TAP counts toward Nebraska Law’s Pro Bono Initiative.

THE TENANT ASSISTANCE PROJECT IS ALWAYS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Performing Outreach: Outreach volunteers visit the homes of tenants who have eviction hearings scheduled for the following week to provide them with a pre-made bag of information regarding the eviction process and relevant resources. This ensures tenants are aware they have an upcoming eviction hearing, and that there is help available to them at court.

Preparing Eviction Defense Packets: Volunteers prepare Eviction Defense Packets (EDPs) in advance for each scheduled eviction hearing. EDPs are made available to the volunteer attorneys and senior certified law students assisting tenants at the courthouse, and provide them with an overview of the case, including any possible procedural defenses identified within the pleadings.

Assisting at the Courthouse: Courthouse volunteers provide crucial support on the day of eviction hearings, which are scheduled Monday through Thursday mornings at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 most weeks. These volunteers greet tenants outside of eviction court, help conduct intakes, and observe court proceedings to record case outcomes.

Benefits of Volunteering with the Tenant Assistance Project:

Obtaining hands-on legal experience through scrutinizing and analyzing pleadings and/or observing court proceedings.
Making connections with practicing attorneys and legal professionals in the Lincoln community.
Meeting other law students who are passionate about similar issues.
Utilizing your legal training to help people within the local community in tangible ways.
Completing hours toward a Pro Bono Certificate through Nebraska Law's Pro Bono Initiative.