If you had asked me ten years ago whether I would be doing pro bono work with any regularity, a candid answer would have begun with “no.” Law firm lawyers, particularly litigators, find it easy to say “no.” No you…
Corporate Counsel Eases Financial Worries for Underprivileged Community Members
As Senior Corporate Counsel at a technology company, Matt Sperling is particularly motivated to actively alleviate the struggles and challenges that others in the community are facing. He regularly volunteers to counsel low-income people who have been sued by creditors. …
The Justice & Diversity Center Welcomes 2018 Summer Interns
Meet the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC)’s 2018 summer interns, who are stepping up to provide crucial legal support to those in our community who need it most. Caroline Shen, our 2018 AT&T Fellow, is a rising 3L at UC…
LGBTQ Partners and Associates Summer Reception
On Wednesday, June 13, the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Justice and Diversity Center welcomed more than 30 partners, summer associates, and members of the legal community to its annual LGBTQ reception. The reception was hosted by Arnold…
Meet the Justice & Diversity Center's New Diversity Director
Please join us in welcoming Samantha Akwei as our new Diversity and Pipeline Programs Director. In this role, Samantha oversees JDC’s educational pipeline programs, including the School-to-College program, Law Academy, and the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship program. She…
San Francisco Rapid Response Network Honored with Immigrant Leadership Award
The San Francisco Rapid Response Network, which is in part coordinated by the Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) immigration team, was honored at the 2018 Immigrant Leadership Awards on Monday, June 11. The event, held at San Francisco City Hall,…
Taking it to the Streets: JDC/BASF Street Team Brings Legal Information to the People
The first Sunday in June marked the fourth time that the JDC/BASF Street Team participated in San Francisco’s Sunday Streets. Inspired by the Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia, Sunday Streets is a series of free, fun events empowering local communities to…
Separation Of Families At The Border Lacks Legal And Moral Justification
June 15, 2018 – San Francisco, California – On May 7, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new “zero tolerance” policy that not only imposes criminal penalties for unlawful entry at the border, but also separates parents and children arriving…
Vote Yes on Prop F [VIDEO]
Thousands of tenants are evicted each year in San Francisco and many face the eviction and the possibility of homelessness, without a lawyer. Nationally, 90% of landlords go into an eviction proceeding with an attorney, while only 10% of tenants…
Prisoner Denied Medical Care Accesses Justice Through Law Firm’s Pro Bono Representation
A prison left ‘Mr. S’ in debilitating pain for weeks after another inmate attacked him. Despite having four fractured ribs, Mr. S received no medical attention for over three weeks, during which time he was unable to walk, sleep, eat,…
Orrick Attorneys and UC Hastings Students Step Up to Help Homeless San Franciscans
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) thanks Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe attorneys Penni Takade and Matteo Daste for volunteering with the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), engaging UC Hastings students in their work as well. Penni and Matteo volunteer at HAP’s…
Barristers Club and JDC Showcase Community Programs at Stow Lake Stampede
On April 28, the Impala Racing Team hosted the second annual Stow Lake Stampede, a 5K race in Golden Gate Park. Turnout this year was even higher than last year, with more than 400 participants. Invited by BASF board member…