Public Interest Clearinghouse Expands Pro Bono Project to Golden Gate

For Immediate Release                                               

CONTACTS:       PIC: Shana Valla, 415-834-0100 x 309, svalla@pic.org

Public Interest Clearinghouse Expands Pro Bono Project to

Golden Gate University School of Law

SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, 2009  –  The Public Interest Clearinghouse (PIC), a statewide nonprofit that increases access to legal help for underserved Californians by building infrastructure and partnerships in the legal community, is pleased to announce the launch of the Law Student Pro Bono Project (“Project”) at Golden Gate University School of Law. 

            The goal of the Project is to leverage law students to advance justice in their communities by connecting students with short-term and long-term volunteer projects in the San Francisco area. The Project enables students to help California’s most vulnerable residents access legal assistance and fosters a long-term commitment to pro bono work. The Project will match Golden Gate law students with a variety of organizations, including legal aid agencies, court-based programs, social service providers, and other legal service providers. Golden Gate law students will have the opportunity to staff client intake clinics, engage in legislative advocacy and policy work, and represent low-income families in a wide range of substantive areas.

            Doan Nguyen, PIC’s Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow and the coordinator of the Project, noted: “The expansion of the Law Student Pro Bono Project to Golden Gate University is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing essential legal services to underserved communities. The Project is also a great opportunity for Golden Gate students to strengthen their legal skills while helping real clients in serious need.”  

About the Public Interest Clearinghouse

For the past 30 years, PIC has served as a catalyst for justice, providing leadership and vital support services to expand access to justice for all Californians.  

About Golden Gate University School of Law

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University School of Law offers a variety of programs for beginning law students and practicing lawyers. The mission of the Law School is to provide its students with the intellectual and moral foundation that will enable them to become ethical, competent, and socially responsible professionals in a complex and interrelated legal world. 

Shana Valla                                                    Jill Goetz

Development Director                                    Director of Publications & Media Relations

Public Interest Clearinghouse                                   Golden Gate University School of Law