Volunteers Receive Recognition for Their Outstanding Support of the Justice & Diversity Center

The tremendous support and resources provided to San Franciscans by the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. BASF and JDC are recognizing three volunteers for their outstanding contributions in supporting our mission: Justine Joya, Jessica L. Chylik, and Shawn McCall. 

Justine Joya is currently the Associate Attorney at Frudden & Padilla Family Law. After joining the Bar in January of 2020, Joya has already successfully managed a couple of Family Law cases for JDC clients. She credits the partners at her firm, who are also active volunteers, for introducing her to the opportunities at JDC. 

 "Practicing in family law gives me a very unique, and humbling opportunity to help individuals navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives," Joya said. "From a legal advocate to a supportive figure standing in our client's corner, every contact is an opportunity to let our clients feel heard and to provide some sense of direction in uncertain times."

Jessica L. Chylik, of Jessica L. Chylik, Attorney at Law, was also honored for her service. A sole practitioner since 2007, Chylik first learned of BASF and JDC’s volunteer programs while studying in law school. Upon passing the bar exam, she offered to volunteer on landlord-tenant cases. She was immediately struck by the overwhelming appreciation from the clients.

"What stands out about my volunteering with these clients is the gratitude that someone will take a minute to look at their paperwork and give them information and direction," Chylik said. "I do landlord-tenant work, so there is a lot of tenant assistance available that people don't know about.

The final and most recent volunteer that was recognized for their service was Shawn McCall, Attorney-at-Law and Licensed Psychologist.

 After being involved with the BASF Ethics Committee during law school, McCall learned about the services and resources available through JDC. “Once I was admitted to the Bar, joining JDC was amongst my first orders of business,” he said. He brings a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to thinking about and carrying out representation with his dual background. 

“My work as both an attorney and psychologist focuses on children and families, generally in contested and contentious matters of separation and divorce, and I hope that my work can help make the world a little better for the involved children,” McCall explained.

Are you interested in using your skills and expertise to help JDC clients navigate challenging cases? Contact Nicola Wood at nwood@sfbar.org about upcoming volunteer opportunities today.