California Western Community Law Project

05/13/2026

It is always a pleasure to see a group of law students graduate, but it is especially rewarding to see former CLP students be among the graduating class. We wish them all the best while they study for the bar and hope to see them practicing in the very near future.

05/02/2026

We want to spotlight one of our incredible volunteer attorneys, Mariza Lockhart!

Mariza has been with the Community Law Project since 2015 when she volunteered as a law student.

Mariza continues volunteering because of the invaluable services that CLP offers. She said, "CLP serves our community's most vulnerable members and I have always been proud to be a part of those efforts. With everything going on in the world today, it is important now more than ever to continue to support our community."

Mariza is from Santa Monica, CA, and enjoys baking, traveling, and collecting recipes from all over the world.

04/27/2026

Another cohort of students have finished their time with CLP. We are so proud of the tremendous work they have done this term and look forward to hearing about their future endeavors.

04/18/2026

We love our CLP family! Last week we had Pizza in the Park to celebrate and thank all the volunteers who make the project possible. We missed those who weren't able to come and hope to see you next year 💛

03/31/2026

On Monday, April 6th 2026, Community Law Project will conduct a presentation on expungements and dealing with infractions. Come learn about the expungement process and what resources are available. The presentation will take place on Monday, April 6th at 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in downtown San Diego during the meal service. This presentation is completely free and open to the public. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

03/31/2026

* On Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, Community Law Project will conduct a presentation on Small Claims. Come learn about the small claims process and what resources are available to you. Learn more about the types of cases that are appropriate for small claims and how to collect if you win. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 7th, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the MPR. This presentation is completely free and open to the public. Spanish & Vietnamese interpretation will be provided.

* El martes 7 de abril de 2026, el Proyecto de Derecho Comunitario (CLP) realizará una presentación sobre Reclamaciones Menores. Venga a aprender sobre el proceso de reclamaciones menores y qué recursos están disponibles para usted. Aprenda más sobre los tipos de casos que son apropiados para reclamaciones menores y cómo cobrar si gana. La presentación se llevará a cabo el martes 7 de abril, de 8:00 a 9:00 a.m. en el MPR. Esta presentación es completamente gratuita y abierta al público. Se proporcionará interpretación en español y vietnamita.

03/27/2026

We're honored to have had our Executive Director, Dana Sisitsky, recognized as one of the Women Trailblazers earlier this month! So well deserved 👏

In recognition of National Women’s Month, we’re pleased to highlight the women leading California Western School of Law’s clinics.

Professor Amy Kimpel, Executive Director of the California Western Innocence and Justice Clinic, leads the clinic’s work representing individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. As part of the clinic’s relaunch reception, the Clinic will host a panel on the history and future of innocence work. Learn more and register:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/tyw6423/lp/2a184aa7-1f48-4ea9-a0d0-f824ad94cf79

Professor Dana Sisitsky, Executive Director of the California Western Community Law Project, leads the clinic’s work providing legal advice and support to low-income and vulnerable residents across San Diego County.

Through their leadership and dedication, these programs continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.

03/24/2026

Community Law Project received a surprise visit from former Community Law Project intern and current San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. What a pleasant surprise! We are grateful for the continued support and the opportunity to touch base with a CLP alum.

03/14/2026

We’re proud to celebrate longtime Community Law Project volunteer and immigration attorney Maria Chavez on being honored as a “Woman of Distinction” by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria! 🎉

With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and immigration policy, Maria has made an incredible impact across the San Diego region—championing policies and programs that support immigrant communities and expand equitable access to vital resources.

Her dedication, advocacy, and leadership continue to inspire us and strengthen the communities we serve. We’re grateful to have her as part of the CLP family.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Mayor Todd Gloria named Maria C. Chavez, immigration legal director at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), as this year’s citywide “Woman of Distinction.” Chavez and nine other women, nominated by their City Councilmembers, were h...

03/06/2026

A snap of our students at the Hoover High clinic!

02/28/2026

Thank you to the San Diego County Bar Foundation for supporting our clinics!

Here are a few photos of our students in action at our downtown clinic.