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. “I volunteered to lead the BLAST Trip to the California Central Valley because I want to show students from different places the special legal challenges we face here. It’s a chance for us to learn together, to really understand what’s happening in this area, and to use that knowledge to make things better for everyone,” said Hensley.
In partnership with the Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO), CCLS’ Housing practice group planned a clinic addressing housing habitability issues. The students prepared a Know Your Rights presentation describing both the landlord’s and the tenant’s duties to maintain a rental property and the remedies available to tenants whose landlords failed to make required repairs. Focusing on the importance of using code enforcement, the students created Tenant Guides to Code Enforcement for Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, and the unincorporated areas of Kings County, including step-by-step instructions on how to make a complaint to Code Enforcement in each jurisdiction, scripts and letter templates for communications to landlords and Code Enforcement, and checklists of items that may need repairs. At the clinic held in KCAO’s Hanford headquarters, the students made presentations and joined CCLS’ Housing advocates in answering questions and advising individual attendees on their housing concerns. The Tenant Guides will be a helpful tool for CCLS’ clients and community members going forward. Rui Han, an LLM student from China reflected on the day, saying “I am so glad that I got this opportunity to join CCLS, gaining hands-on experience into the housing law and tenant rights. The experience here at CCLS reinforced my commitment to serve the lives of those in need. I am grateful for this enriching experience and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained to make a meaningful difference in the future.”
Community Board Member Martha Tamayo, an employee at Kings Community Action Organization, reflected on the dat: who works with KCAO reflects on the day:
“My focus and passion for aiding the community have driven me to discover programs that will serve low-income and underprivileged families in Kings County. With the prospect of bringing law students to Kings County, my mind ignited with possibilities for how their presence could positively impact countless lives. I eagerly anticipated the arrival of these students and deeply appreciated their expertise and willingness to assist families in need.”
After the clinic, the attorneys at Griswold, LaSalle, Cobb, Dowd & Gin, a Hanford-based law firm, hosted a reception for the BLAST students, providing them with the opportunity to hear about the practice of law in rural Kings County.
The Fresno County Bar Association Young Lawyers Association (FCYLA) also hosted the students at a get-together at the Elbow Room, a Fresno favorite. FCYLA President Cody Chapple, U.S. Attorney’s office and President-Elect Sam Munson, Littler, and many other FCYLA members shared stories of their career paths with the students. Said Munson, “I know Cody and I both strongly believe Fresno is a great place to be a lawyer and young professional generally. If we made an impression even on a handful, I’d have to say that is a big win.” Kelsey Edwards, a first-year law student from Ohio, enjoyed the get-together. “That evening was a wonderful mentorship experience, and I am grateful I had the chance to hear so many interesting stories about the legal profession and life in general.”
A highlight of the visit was meeting the Honorable Ana de Alba, recently elevated to Judge, U.S. Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit. Judge de Alba shared the story of her childhood as the daughter of farm workers in the Central Valley and her career as a lawyer, trial judge, and now appellate court judge. After answering the students’ wide-ranging questions on topics such as what makes a good oral argument, how lawyers handle clients whose position the lawyer may not personally share, and how the court views amicus briefs, Judge de Alba invited the group to visit her chambers. “The Judge was so polite and down-to-earth while being magnanimous. She’s an inspiration. She comes from a rural agricultural working family in a marginalized community with limited means, but she was determined to make a change. Now, she inspires students like us every day to become better and work hard,” said Reet Bose, an LLM student from India.
CCLS appreciates the hard work and dedication of these future lawyers and looks forward to watching their careers blossom. Whether they make their career in legal services, public service, or private practice, we have no doubt that they will maintain their commitment to providing legal services to low-income community members.
The pro bono services of our volunteers make it possible for CCLS to provide critical legal services to greater numbers of those in need. Please visit our volunteer page to choose a pro bono opportunity that is right for you.