We are grateful for the outpouring of support from alumni, volunteers, and others seeking ways to help during this time of uncertainty in our communities. Thanks to you, the Law Center had a strong 2019-2020 academic year. Despite the challenging climate, the Law Center presses forward, remaining true to its original mission to advocate for the low-income community and to train law students. Our work focuses on consumer law, immigration law, employment law, and anti-human trafficking. This year law students, under the supervision of our attorneys, served over 1,300 clients and invested more than 6,140 hours to deliver just under $1M in free legal services; bringing peace of mind and increased economic security for our clients. Each semester, the Law Center offers five (5) experiential learning courses for law students – Litigation Skills and Advice Clinics in each practice area. Our courses are in demand averaging 65 clinical students a year; dozens more volunteer through our community education workshops and other clinics. In doing so, law students gain valuable legal skills while cementing their commitment to social justice advocacy that extends well beyond the Law Center doors. We cannot offer a year-in-review without addressing how the Law Center is navigating two pandemics as we close out this academic year – COVID-19 and systemic racism. Please see our April Enewsletter, which describes how the Law Center pivoted and continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and clients during COVID-19. Also, read below about two of the consumer law success stories during this period. Last week, the Law Center launched the Advancing Racial Justice Initiative, detailed below. It is not enough for us to stand in solidarity; we must examine ourselves, change where needed, and actively participate in anti-racism efforts. Black lives and our own humanity depend on it. Lastly, our law students are at the center of our work – we do what we do because of them. Meet our Cindy Avitia Immigration Justice Summer Fellow and hear from 2020 graduates about the special place the Law Center holds in their legal education. Your support inspires us to do the work we are so passionate about with even greater urgency and effectiveness. As we prepare for the fall semester, please consider making a gift and a profound difference…we cannot keep our program strong without you. Be safe, be well, and be blessed. With gratitude, Deborah Moss West JD ’94
LAW STUDENTS ADVOCATE FOR CONSUMERS REMOTELY DURING COVID-19
ADVANCING RACIAL JUSTICE Black Lives Matter – We at the Law Center grieve the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, Tony McDade, and sadly, countless other victims of the systemic racism that permeates our society. We condemn police brutality and institutional racism in our justice system. We stand in solidarity with and strive to be a valuable resource for the Black community. As legal advocates, we recognize our privilege and obligation to fight racism and injustice. As people, we care about and are dedicated to pursuing ethical and fair treatment for all. The Law Center joins the worldwide call to end police violence, racism, and the structural inequality that disproportionately impacts Black people and other communities of color. As a result, the Law Center has launched the Advancing Racial Justice Initiative to strengthen our current efforts and commit to the following:
The Advancing Racial Justice initiative is developing specific plans, tasks with measurable goals, and a timeline to carry out these actions. There is much to be done. Black Lives Matter. Our hearts are open and we are listening. WELCOME – ROMAE-ANNE AQUINO 2020 CINDY AVITIA IMMIGRATION JUSTICE SUMMER FELLOW!
“Energy and persistence can conquer all things.” Half a decade ago, these words outside the hospital room of my late grandmother instilled in me a passion and duty towards a more just society. Immigrant communities have long conquered systemic injustices, marginalization and legal barriers to critical rights throughout the world. As a woman of color and first-generation immigrant, I am prepared to continue the zealous and resilient fight for justice. I bear the hopes of my own ancestors, as well as the beloved Cindy Avitia, who all dreamed of a better future; one where their sacrifices were valued. I am eternally grateful to the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center and La Raza Lawyers of Santa Clara County Charitable Foundation for empowering me to be an enthusiastic advocate for underserved communities among such passionate people. As a Cindy Avitia Fellow, I will fiercely advocate for our comunidad, for our buong barangay, for our community.” Romae-Anne Aquino ’22 The fellowship is named in memory of Cindy Avitia ’06, a long-time member of Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association, graduate of Santa Clara Law, passionate advocate for immigrant rights, and former employee of the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center. The Law Center is grateful to the La Raza Lawyers of Santa Clara County Charitable Foundation for making this grant possible. Contact Deborah Moss-West J.D. ’94, dmosswest@scu.edu if you’d like to support a summer fellow in our office. HEAR FROM 2020 GRADUATES
Celebrate the Law Center’s commitment to teaching, advocacy, and service while recognizing those who make our work possible on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 5:30 pm. Mark your calendars…More details coming soon. YOUR VOLUNTEER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL HELP KGACLC:
Interested in volunteering or joining our Advisory Board? Contact Deborah Moss-West or Board Chair Delma Locke to learn more. We would like to hear from you.
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Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center Phone: (408) 288-7030 | Fax: (408) 288-3581 |