The Project 

UPENDO Legal Clinic  focuses on the intersectional issues of economically and socially disadvantaged black women in New Orleans so that they may be fully informed about their options and be given a full breadth of understanding of the totally of the life impact on any decision they make related to either arm of the justice system. This clinic will be able to provide: free or low cost representation in the areas of family, criminal, domestic violence and stay away orders, and custody; create and facilitate CLE’s for attorneys and judges on specific issues concerning economically and socially disadvantaged women; provide consultation on legal issues involving education, economic equity, mental health, and women’s health.

Nia Weeks

 A native of New Orleans, Nia has spent years fighting for the rights of women, children, and families. Nia received her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Women’s studies at Indiana State University, where her advocacy training began. After completing her undergraduate education, Nia worked in public relations before beginning law school. She graduated with a law degree from the Loyola School of Law in New Orleans in 2009. Nia then served as a law clerk for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, the Louisiana Public Defender Board, and Essence Music Festival. After passing the Louisiana Bar, Nia served as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Angelique Reed in First City Court in Orleans Parish and was the director of a supervised visitation center for victims of domestic violence named Harmony House. Before coming to WWAV, she served as a public defender in Orleans Parish for two years. Follow Nia on Twitter @NiaWeeks.