SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 4, 2012— Lynette Parker, a supervising attorney specializing in immigration with Santa Clara University School of Law’s Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center (KGACLC), received an Unsung Hero Award from the Victim Support Network for Santa Clara County on April 24.
The award honored Parker’s 12 years of work with immigration clients as well as her mentoring and supervision of law students. The Victim Support Network is an association of victim service professionals who strive to enhance the quantity and quality of services for crime victims in Santa Clara County. Among other things, the network advocates for improvements in the area of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
During her tenure, Parker has enabled hundreds of low-income residents of Santa Clara and neighboring counties to receive legal advice and representation. Many received Parker’s direct assistance as they sought political asylum or protection from domestic violence or human trafficking. Others received pro bono assistance through law-student or volunteer attorney representation, overseen by Parker, in the areas of immigration.
The award cited Parker’s collaboration and leadership within the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking. Her work was crucial in obtaining a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to address the legal needs of human trafficking victims. She also was recognized for helping to educate professional organizations and communities about human trafficking.
“Thanks to Lynette’s persistent efforts at KGACLC, countless Santa Clara Law students leave SCU with an abiding commitment to providing pro bono work no matter which direction their careers take,” said Angelo Ancheta, KGACLC executive director.
About Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law, founded in 1911 on the site of California’s oldest operating higher-education institution, is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and social justice. One of the nation’s most diverse law schools, Santa Clara Law offers its 975 students an academically rigorous program, including graduate degrees in international law and intellectual property law; combined J.D./MBA degree; and certificates in intellectual property law, international law, and public interest and social justice law. Santa Clara Law is located in the world-class business center of Silicon Valley, and is distinguished nationally for our top-ranked program in intellectual property. For more information, see law.scu.edu.