Law students from around the country are assisting Syrians fleeing their war-torn homeland—and gaining practical experience at the same time.

The John Marshall Law School in Chicago next week will launch the Human Rights for Syrians Initiative, a project under the school's International Human Rights Clinic that will offer both direct representation in asylum cases and nonlegal support to Syrian refugees in Illinois.

Meanwhile, a consortium of student organizations at 27 law schools has been aiding Syrian refugees through the International Refugee Assistance Project, which housed by the Urban Justice Center. About 700 student volunteers nationwide partner with pro bono attorneys through the project and advocate for oversees clients fleeing persecution.