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Community Law Project

The California Western Community Law Project (CLP) is a legal clinic open to people in some of San Diego’s most vulnerable communities. The CLP Clinic gives students a chance to go off-campus and help people with legal resources.

A unique opportunity

The Community Law Project is unlike other clinics at California Western. Interns work one-on-one with clients and volunteer attorneys in a variety of legal areas, according to their interests. This unique opportunity allows volunteer law students to experience the benefits of helping those in need while learning essential lawyering skills from experienced practitioners.

New Media Rights interns working at neighborhood client

Named a 2022 California Nonprofit of the Year

2021 Accomplishments

3500+
Volunteer hours served by CWSL law students and volunteer attorneys
141
Number of free clinics offered to the community
1,000+
Clients served

It showed me that the studying, the tests, the stress, was all worth it because there are people who truly need my help. I got to see the reason why I came to law school in the first place.

Nathan
CLP Student Intern, Spring 2021

Practice areas

  • Criminal Law
  • Bankruptcy Law
  • Trusts & Estates Law
  • Personal Injury Law
  • Housing and Landlord/Tenant Law
  • Employment Law
  • Family Law
  • Public Benefits Law
  • Immigration Law
  • Consumer Law
  • Tax Law

Students along with volunteer attorneys meet with clients at five clinic sites throughout San Diego County. Interns also provide workshops and presentations on topics of interest to community organizations and schools. CLP does include a classroom component. During these sessions, student volunteers can deepen their understanding of public interest work and debrief their live client experiences with the executive director and the supervising attorney. 

You see some people at their most vulnerable points in life. As a result, you can feel their hopelessness and despair. At times, it is very difficult to disconnect emotionally. And yet, learning how to disconnect in a manner that is respectful and that enables them to maintain dignity is part of the personal growth you can experience at Community Law Project.

Lynnell
CLP Student Intern, Summer & Fall 2022

Support the Community Law Project

Give Now

Your financial contributions further our mission and educational experience, while expanding our services to those in need within the San Diego community.

Community Law Project

The Community Law Project offers free legal services to low-income and vulnerable communities in the San Diego area through its legal clinics. Law students work under a supervising attorney and with volunteer attorneys to offer free legal information through clinics and workshops. Visit the CLP website or our Facebook page learn more about our services and clinics.

If you have more questions or are interested in becoming a CLP intern email Executive Director, Dana Sisitsky.

Contact Us
Location
225 Cedar Street, 1st Floor
San Diego, CA 92101