A Semester of Service: CLP’s Transformative Work in the Community
As the fall semester comes to a close, the California Western’s Community Law Project (CLP) remains unwavering in its mission to deliver critical legal assistance to underserved communities across San Diego while offering students invaluable hands-on legal training.
Throughout the semester, CLP hosted 50 clinics at various locations, offering support to individuals facing issues in family law, housing, immigration, and public benefits. Over the course of 330 visits, the program assisted 238 community members by providing legal advice, help with paperwork, and connections to in-depth representation. For many, these clinics were their only access to critical legal guidance, underscoring the importance of CLP’s work.
In addition to its clinics, CLP students delivered impactful community education presentations to audiences across San Diego County. At the Crawford High School Welcome Center, students worked with recent Haitian refugees, helping them navigate the complexities of U.S. legal and social systems. At the San Ysidro Senior Center, residents learned how to recognize and avoid common consumer scams. Families connected to the Chicano Federation participated in a session focused on immigration basics. These presentations, which serve as the capstone of each semester, required weeks of careful preparation and research to ensure the information was accurate, accessible, and actionable.
Reflecting on the program’s accomplishments this semester, Lizeth Cervantes, CLP’s Community Education & Outreach Coordinator, shared her gratitude for the many individuals who make this work possible, “We are proud of our volunteer attorneys who have shared critical, and in some cases, life-altering legal insight with hundreds of community members who often have nowhere else to turn. We are proud of our partners who have continued to support us as we creatively collaborate to serve vulnerable residents of San Diego. And finally, we are proud of the leadership that our executive director, Dana Sisitsky, has provided to sustain the work of the Community Law Project, managing our small (but mighty!) program in a world where the need for our assistance continues to grow each year.”
CLP’s success this semester was made possible by the dedication of 13 law students, who gained hands-on experience in client advocacy, legal research, and case management while working alongside experienced attorneys and faculty. These students not only honed their professional skills but also learned the profound impact of service—lessons that will guide them as they advance in their legal careers.
The program also benefited from the contributions of 52 attorney volunteers, many of whom are proud alumni of California Western. For these alumni, returning to CLP as volunteers provides an opportunity to give back to the program that shaped their careers. They lend their expertise to mentor the next generation of legal professionals while continuing to serve the community.
The Community Law Project stands as a cornerstone of California Western School of Law’s commitment to public service and experiential education. By providing legal assistance to those in need and cultivating compassionate, capable lawyers, CLP exemplifies the transformative power of service-based learning.
As the need for legal assistance grows, your support is vital to ensuring CLP can continue this essential work. Donations allow us to reach more individuals, expand our services, and provide students with life-changing learning experiences.
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 escharnweber@cwsl.edu.