Pro Bono Project Seeks a Supervising Attorney For Its New Federal Program

The Pro Bono Project is opening the Federal Legal Assistance Self-Help Project for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.  It is seeking a 75% time Supervising Attorney to supervise and administer the Project. 

The Project will provide limited-scope services to self-represented litigants in federal court.  The Supervising Attorney will provide services to clients and recruit and supervise volunteer attorneys and law students in the clinic.  The Supervising attorney will also place clients with pro bono attorneys for limited scope representation.  

 For more information.

Pro Bono Project Launches New Homelessness Prevention Eviction Law Program!

In September 2009, Pro Bono Project launched "HELP" the Homelessness Prevention Eviction Law Project. HELP offers homelessness prevention eviction law clinical services to low income tenants in Santa Clara County.

We are currently holding clinics twice per month to provide tenants with eviction and housing education and advice and to assist clients with Unlawful Detainer cases. At the clinics, Pro Bono Project volunteers will consult with clients and help prepare court documents. Volunteer attorneys may also be available to help settle cases and represent tenants in court.

The clinics are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Boccardo Reception Center, One-Stop Homelessness Prevention Center 2011 Little Orchard Street, in San Jose.

Call (408) 294-2100 to make an appointment.

2009 DVLSR Access Awards:

California Supreme Court Associate Justice Carlos R. Moreno Delivered Keynote Address at Access to Justice Silicon Valley Annual Awards Presentation

On September 30, 2009, Pro Bono Project’s Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation (DVLSR) Program held its 2009 Access to Justice Silicon Valley Awards Reception and Presentation, its 3rd annual awards gala, at the Santa Clara University School of Law. DVLSR’s annual awards reception recognized special advocates who have assisted local individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

This year, DVLSR presented three awards to advocates and organizations who embody and share its commitment to justice for low-income individuals involved in domestic violence issues. Palo Alto City Attorney Gary Baum received DVLSR’s Advocate Award for his exceptional talent and commitment to providing pro bono legal representation to victims of domestic violence. In addition, the Honorable Katherine Lucero, Supervising Judge for the Juvenile Dependency Court of Santa Clara County, received DVLSR’s Vision Award for her tireless commitment to eradicating domestic violence and providing greater awareness at all levels of the court and community systems. Furthermore, DVLSR presented its Foundation Award to the Legal Department of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence for the conviction and courage it brings to its direct assistance, referral, advocacy, and new program innovations in support of families.

“This year’s honorees represent the very best of our Silicon Valley community’s efforts to address the needs to provide justice to individuals affected by domestic violence. I am proud of the vital work of DVLSR and honored to present these awards to advocates who share our mission to providing meaningful assistance to the vulnerable and less fortunate in our neighborhoods. The 2009 recipients understand the challenges to providing counsel and support and have continually heeded our call as a society to confront them,” said Sharon Bashan, Director of the DVLSR Program.

Pro Bono Project was extremely honored to have Justice Carlos Moreno deliver the reception’s keynote address, entitled “Diversity and Dissenting Opinions.” Justice Moreno, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California since 2001, has never shied away from addressing critical, cutting-edge issues involving social policy. He began his career as a deputy city attorney with the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, prosecuting criminal and civil consumer protection cases and handling politically sensitive and legislative matters as special counsel to the city attorney. Justice Moreno has been involved in the community in various ways, as former President of the Mexican American Bar Association, and current Director of the Arroyo Vista Family Health Center. Additionally, Justice Moreno is the Chair of the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care.

“Justice Moreno, who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice throughout his life, was a remarkably fitting choice to speak at our annual reception. We were deeply honored by his presence, and gleaned a lot from his remarks on the importance of justice and representation for all members of our society,” said John R. Hedges, Executive Director of Pro Bono Project.

Besides Justice Moreno, the night’s presenters made the event very memorable: the Honorable Sharon Chatman; the Honorable Mary Ann Grilli; the Honorable Leonard Edwards (Ret.); Dean Donald Polden; Pro Bono Project President, Fariba Soroosh; and President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Liz Kniss. Through this event, DVLSR was able to raise funds to help tackle the increasing demand for legal services.

To see more coverage of Gary Baum's award on Palo Alto Online click here.

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