California legal services receive $950,000 for pro bono initiatives
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WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is awarding $950,759 across three California legal services organizations. The LSC Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF) grants will enable the nonprofit legal services organizations to develop or expand efforts to engage volunteers in assisting low-income Californians with their civil legal problems.
Central California Legal Services (CCLS) will use its $486,356 grant to expand its efforts to assist low-income Californians in clearing eligible criminal records. Because having a criminal record can create barriers to housing and employment, CCLS’ work will improve clients’ stability and economic opportunity. Through an expanded reentry pro bono program, volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students will help clients navigate the post-conviction relief process. In addition to record clearing, CCLS will broaden its services to include drivers license restoration and arrest-record sealing.
Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) will utilize its $455,403 award to launch a pro bono domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) project in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The project will offer biweekly in-person and virtual clinics where trained volunteer attorneys help survivors prepare DVRO petitions and, in some cases, provide full representation for their clients at hearings. ICLS volunteers will receive trauma-informed training and work closely with domestic violence shelters, family justice centers and court self-help centers to connect survivors with additional resources.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance is receiving a $9,000 Grantee Engagement Scholarship from PBIF to bolster its volunteer program through engagement with LSC subject matter experts and peer organizations.
With limited capacity and resources, legal services organizations nationwide depend upon volunteers to expand the reach of legal assistance in their local communities. Low-income Americans do not receive any or enough legal help with 92% of their civil legal problems.
Since the PBIF grant program began in 2014, LSC has awarded 200 grants totaling more than $55 million. Funding for the PBIF program is included in LSC’s congressional appropriation.
Members of Congress congratulated the California legal services organizations on receiving pro bono grants.
“Congratulations to Inland Counties Legal Services on this well-deserved recognition from the Legal Services Corporation. This award reflects the vital work ICLS does every day for survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable members of our community,” said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “In our district, access to legal help can mean the difference between remaining trapped in a difficult situation and finding a genuine way forward. I am proud to see this innovative model recognized, and I know it will enable ICLS to reach and support even more survivors in our communities."
“Survivors of domestic violence should never have to face the legal system alone simply because they cannot afford an attorney,” said Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28). “This $455,403 federal investment will help Inland Counties Legal Services expand access to free, high-quality legal assistance for survivors across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, while building a stronger network of attorneys prepared to advocate on their behalf. I’m proud to support efforts that ensure survivors have the resources and representation they need to seek safety and justice.”
“No survivor of domestic violence should be denied safety because they cannot afford an attorney or do not know where to turn for help,” said Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35). “As a former 911 dispatcher I know the devastating consequences of not having access to affordable legal representation. This investment will put experienced legal advocates in the corner of survivors across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties when they need them most. I’m proud to see these resources coming to the Inland Empire to help survivors seek protection, rebuild their lives, and know that they do not have to face the legal system alone.”
“It’s crucial that survivors of domestic violence in the Inland Empire can access high-quality and empathetic legal assistance as they navigate incredibly challenging periods in their lives,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “I’m grateful to the Legal Services Corporation for awarding this grant to Inland Counties Legal Services. This funding will expand pro bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence and ensure that attorneys have the training and skills to best represent them. I’m proud to see important programs like this get the federal support they need to ensure that no one in San Bernardino County gets left behind while navigating our legal system.”
More information about the Pro Bono Innovation Fund is available here.