California Western’s Community Law Project Receives Generous Grants to Expand Access to Justice

California Western School of Law (CWSL) is proud to announce that its Community Law Project (CLP) has received grant funding from the City of San Diego, the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, and the San Diego County Bar Foundation. These vital contributions will enable CLP to continue and expand its mission of providing pro bono legal services to underserved communities while offering invaluable experiential learning opportunities for CWSL students.

Since 2005, the Community Law Project has served as a cornerstone of California Western’s commitment to community-focused legal education. Since its inception, CLP has provided free legal advice, resources, and education to over 8,000 clients throughout San Diego County. The recent grants are a testament to the impact of this program and the trust these prominent organizations place in CLP’s work. In the last year alone, CWSL law students and volunteer attorneys provided over 3,000 hours of service through 145 clinics and community education programs.

The City of San Diego has awarded a generous grant which allows CLP to continue hosting free legal clinics and workshops throughout the region, providing individuals with direct access to legal counsel. By addressing pressing issues like eviction defense, consumer rights, and public benefits access, CLP gives struggling San Diego residents a fighting chance against legal challenges that might otherwise upend their lives.

The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation supports organizations providing assistance to individuals in need of bankruptcy-related legal representation, and education, recognizing “the importance of financial stability in achieving justice.” This grant will bolster CLP’s ability to assist individuals facing overwhelming financial hardship, ensuring that people can navigate complex systems to reclaim financial independence. 

The San Diego County Bar Foundation remains a steadfast advocate for justice, funding “sustainable, results-driven, local legal non-profit organizations serving those impacted by poverty, abuse, and discrimination.” This grant will support CLP’s ongoing legal clinics and educational presentations that empower clients to understand their rights and take action in critical areas like housing, employment, immigration, and family law.

These grants not only support CLP’s mission to serve San Diego’s underserved populations but also create invaluable learning opportunities for California Western students. By participating in CLP’s clinics and outreach efforts, students gain practical, hands-on legal experience that prepares them to be ethical, compassionate, and effective advocates. CLP Student Fellow Michelle Valania reflected, “No matter where my legal career takes me, this experience with the Community Law Project has instilled in me the desire to make legal resources accessible to the most vulnerable in our community.”

CLP Director, Professor Dana Sisitsky shared, "The support we receive from local and national foundations allows CLP to make a difference in the lives of so many individuals in need. We are so grateful to have such strong partnerships with the City of San Diego, the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, and the San Diego County Bar Foundation as together we work to make our community a more just place for all."

We invite alumni, donors, and community partners to join us in this vital work. Whether through volunteering, supporting financially, or spreading the word, your involvement can help sustain and grow CLP’s impact for years to come.

To support the Community Law Project, click here to donate, or contact Erin Scharnweber, Senior Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, at 619-515-1544 or JavaScript Required.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA WESTERN SCHOOL OF LAW 
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.