CCLS News Articles

News Room, Updates

The Garnet Fire Reminds Us: Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes

The Garnet Fire, burning inside the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County, has already scorched more than 8,500 acres as of Tuesday morning, according to Sierra National Forest officials. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for communities closest to the flames in the mountainous areas northeast of the city.

August 27, 2025

News Room, Updates

Collaborative Advocacy Has Wide Impact

Making a change that improves access to the courts for our clients and for the broader community is a prime goal of legal services organizations. Central California Legal Services’ (CCLS) Family and Immigration Team recently did just that, in a cooperative project with judges of the Tulare County Superior Court.

May 2, 2024

News Room, Updates

Orchid Hubanks 50 Years Dedicated to Justice!

CCLS wants to acknowledge the incredible dedication of Orchid Hubanks, who celebrates her 50th aniversary with CCLS this year! Executive Director Michelle Kezirian expresses the feelings of everyone at CCLS when she says, "We are grateful for the years of dedicated service that Orchid has contributed to our community!"

April 18, 2024

News Room, Pro Bono, Updates

UC Berkeley Law Students Spent Spring Break With Us!

Five enthusiastic law students from UC Berkeley Law chose to volunteer at Central California Legal Services (CCLS) during their Spring Break instead of engaging in more relaxing pursuits. Part of the Berkeley Law Alternative Service Trips (BLAST) program, these students chose CCLS to learn about the legal needs and the practice of law in the Central Valley. Steven Hensley, a second-year student and Fresno native, led the group and worked with CCLS in the months leading up to the trip to design the legal project the students would tackle.

April 18, 2024

News Room, Pro Bono

How to Volunteer for CCLS – Even if You Have Limited Time

A lawyer’s life is very busy. No matter what type of practice you have, it can feel overwhelming to contemplate adding a pro bono commitment to your plate. We at Central California Legal Services (CCLS) understand those pressures. That’s why we have opportunities that allow you to add a small serving of pro bono to your plate. Our clinics are prime examples of how you can volunteer to serve CCLS’ clients – even if you have just a few hours...

April 15, 2024

News Room, Updates

Settlement Agreement, Desiree Martinez v. City of Clovis

The City of Clovis and Desiree Martinez are pleased to announce a settlement in the Desiree Martinez v. City of Clovis litigation. The settlement agreement paves the way for the creation of groundbreaking City programs and significant investments to support and leverage over 3,000 additional affordable housing opportunities in Clovis.

February 24, 2024

News Room, Pro Bono, Updates

Exciting Growth at Central California Legal Services in the New Year

As we increase the number of clinics, especially those held in person again, CCLS looks forward to serving greater numbers of our communities’ low‐income residents and to providing a greater array of services in 2024. Our volunteers are essential to fulfilling our mission.

January 12, 2024

News Room, Updates

CCLS Welcomes Stephanie Hamilton Borchers as Director of Litigation and Advocacy

Stephanie arrived at CCLS with a broad base of legal experience: many years in private practice, six years as a Senior Research attorney to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Presiding Justice James A. Ardaiz (Ret.), and more than three years as an Assistant United States Atorney for the Eastern District of California. Her depth and breadth of legal experience is a tremendous asset to CCLS and will greatly enhance CCLS’s ability to serve our clients and our community.

January 12, 2024

Housing, In the Media, News Room

Power in the Courts

Robert is an attorney who helps who represents tenants. His law firm, Central California Legal Services, handles the vast majority of eviction defense cases in Fresno.

November 9, 2023