Since its inception, CVLS has partnered with local social services organizations and community groups to create neighborhood clinics. CVLS’ clinics are essential to its mission to provide equal access to justice. These legal clinics are typically supported by cultural institutions that serve a specific population. The volunteers usually share the same culture or religion as their clients and are often able to speak the same language, making communication and representation more fluid.
The Amicus Poloniae Legal Clinic takes place on the third Saturday of every month at the Polish National Alliance (PNA). They offer appointments to clients via Zoom and in person. CVLS award winner, Michal Fus, recently helped his client, Agnes, file for bankruptcy. With Michal’s help, Agnes was able to discharge $25,000 in unsecured debt, giving her financial relief and much-needed breathing room to handle her expenses. Michal was able to use his connection to the community and his language skills to deliver free legal help to a client who really needed it.
Every other month, the Chinese American Service League (CASL) Clinic meets to provide legal help to those living in and around the Chinatown neighborhood. Two months ago, volunteer Junru Chen was able to assist a senior client and his wife by drafting Powers of Attorney for Healthcare and Property. Junru communicated in the client’s native language of Cantonese, which helped the client fully understand his options and the process.
These clinics are just two of the many supported by CVLS and its volunteers. Each clinic is unique and run by a clinic chair, who is usually a CVLS volunteer. If you are interested in learning more about CVLS’ neighborhood clinics, please contact our Clinic Coordinator, Kathy Koester, at kkoester@cvls.org.
