Pro Bono

The Pro Bono Services Section supports the FCBA's Pro Bono Resolution, which "urges all attorneys to devote a reasonable amount of time to provide...legal services without expectation of compensation." The Section encourages pro bono casework, organizes MCLE training luncheons, and publicly recognizes individuals and organizations that help increase access to justice for the underserved. … [Read more...]

by Laura Impellizzeri, California Lawyer, December 2013 Ana de Alba, who grew up working on farms west of Fresno alongside her parents, starkly recalls the time her mother was stiffed out of pay for a whole summer's work. "She was crying in the bathroom, and she thought we didn't know," says attorney de Alba, a two-time UC Berkeley grad. "I remember her being so upset and me thinking, 'How unfair.' " Her mother didn't learn she'd been overheard until two years ago, when de Alba was practicing … [Read more...]

The Central Calfornia Legal Services is honoring Mark L. Creede as a Champion of Justice. The Champions of Justice honors individuals who demonstrate a faithful dedication to ensuring all people have equal and meaningful access to justice. Mr. Creede was selected because under his leadership, Lang, Richert & Patch has become the most well known and respected firm in the Central Valley committed to providing pro bono legal assistance. It is an especially fitting award as Lang, Richert & Patch … [Read more...]

The Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) honored volunteer lawyers and organizations for their pro bono contributions to LSC-funded legal aid programs in California during the Board’s meeting in San Diego. Dave Jones, Insurance Commissioner for the State of California, and Jon Streeter, President of the State Bar of California, were among the speakers at the event honoring the pro bono volunteers. Ana de Alba was honored at this event for her extraordinary commitment … [Read more...]

On July 13 more than 350 attorneys, judges, law students, business, and community leaders were on hand when California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye presented Ana de Alba with an award for her tireless work to promote pro-bono in the Central Valley. Ms. de Alba was one of two attorneys state-wide to be recognized at this event. Ms. de Alba’s acceptance comments brought tears to the eyes of many as she talked about her experiences as the daughter of immigrant farm workers in the Central … [Read more...]

In 1989, the California State Bar established the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services. The award was established to honor the memory of Honorable Wiley W. Manuel, a distinguished Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court from 1977 until his death in 1981. The award is presented to attorneys who provide a minimum of 50 hours in pro bono services in one year. Ana de Alba was bestowed this honor at the Central California Legal Services' 2010 Champions of Justice Fall Reception … [Read more...]

Managing Partner and Construction Attorney, Mark L. Creede, Employment Law Specialist, Charles T. Taylor, and Commercial and Business Transactions Attorney, Victoria J. Salisch provided voluntary legal services to our local veterans at this year’s Central Valley Veterans Stand Down which took place September 22nd through 24th. The purpose of Operation Stand Down is to assist disadvantaged veterans who are having difficult times. The goal is to assist veterans who are homeless turn their lives … [Read more...]