I am no civil rights lawyer, but I do believe you should not “withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” As a lawyer, I have been entrusted by the State with a unique power to effect good.
Here are a few examples of my pro bono work:
- In re Rachel L.: Amicus counsel in appellate case involving homeschooling regulation. Prior to our involvement, the Court of Appeal ruled in a way that would have devastated homeschooling in California. We provided the court with social science research, which helped lead to the complete reversal of the court’s prior opinion. In re Rachel L., 73 Cal. Rptr. 3d 77 (Ct. App. 2008), vacated, Jonathan L. v. Super. Ct., 81 Cal. Rptr. 3d 571 (Ct. App. 2008).
- Azua v. City Of Parlier: Lead counsel in civil rights action, representing a passenger in car who was shot twice in the back by police officers. Case settled.
- Does v. Pure Forest LLC: Lead counsel in human trafficking case, representing five H-2 visa workers who were threatened by armed foremen, denied wages, and forced to work grueling hours. Case settled.
- Reed v. State: Co-lead counsel in civil rights action against the Los Angeles school district challenging teacher layoffs that disproportionately affected struggling inner city schools. Obtained preliminary injunction. Won approval of consent decree.