Baylor Law School hosts annual adoption day clinic

November is recognized as National Adoption Month and Baylor Law School hosted its pro bono Adoption Day clinic for the eighth consecutive year Nov. 20.

"A pro bono experience at the Baylor Law School is vitally important. We view it as integral to what a Baylor lawyer is to become," Baylor University President and Chancellor Ken Starr said.

The Hon. Gary Coley of the 74th State District Court presided over the adoptions of 32 children who were welcomed into new families.

In conjunction with the Baylor Public Interest Legal Society (BPILS), faculty, students and friends organized the LEGO-themed celebration and dressed as various characters from LEGOLAND.

"This is a community event," said Bridget Fuselier, professor of law and faculty sponsor of BPILS. "The word is getting out about what we are doing and we are overjoyed. These children were dealt a pretty unfair hand in life, but these foster and adoptive parents have shown such love and support for these children and have chosen to make them part of their forever family."

Currently, there are more than 200 children waiting to be adopted in McLennan County.

Baylor Law School recognizes the need for pro bono support and uses its skills to live the highest calling of a lawyer by reaching out to serve others, said Stephen Rispoli, assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs.

"We are problem solvers," he said. "We are here to help people. We believe that it is our duty as professionals to assist our neighbors in their time of need."

Nearly 20 entities from inside and outside the University joined together to sponsor the event.