The University of Illinois College of Law Community Preservation Clinic has been awarded $403,271 in funding from a national foreclosure settlement.

The Community Preservation Clinic gives law students the opportunity to evaluate loan documents to assess options for people facing the prospect of foreclosure, according to a press release.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan made the announcement Tuesday. She played in role in securing $25 million during a settlement with The Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Ally Bank. The banks faced allegations of fraudulent practices concerning improper foreclosures.

“There is simply no substitute for legal representation when facing foreclosure,” Madigan said in a press release. “Not only will this funding give more Central Illinois residents an advocate to fight for them in court, it will give law students an opportunity to gain real lawyering skills by applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to their work in the courtroom.”

The clinic will use the foreclosure settlement funding to provide legal representation for tenants living in foreclosed properties, according to the press release. Law students will also be able to interview tenants, assess legal defenses and conduct trial work.

“As a public, land-grant law school, the University of Illinois College of Law is committed to serving the citizens of Illinois,” College of Law Dean Bruce Smith said in a press release. “Protecting homeowners and preserving dynamic communities are worthy goals, and we are proud and grateful to have our efforts supported by an office that is nationally recognized for its leadership in the areas of foreclosure, consumer protection and community vitality.”