Community Legal Outreach (CLO)

Community Legal Outreach (CLO) works to increase access to justice by bringing legal services and advocacy support out into the community, to homeless drop-ins, shelters, transitional houses, medical clinics and welfare offices. Organized by second and third year law student coordinators working with Law Center staff attorneys, CLO provides opportunities for first year law students to receive hands-on training to become effective and compassionate community advocates. CLO has a longstanding partnership with the Suitcase Clinic, a student organization and volunteer community, providing health and social services at three weekly drop-in clinics in Berkeley.

(Monday & Tuesday outreach schedule for Fall 2008 forthcoming)

Community Legal Access Service Site (CLASS)

The Law Center’s free legal self-help center (CLASS) provides essential tools—including community access to legal research materials, self-help manuals and internet enabled computers—to help community members navigate the legal system. Law Students, volunteers and pro bono attorneys, supervised by staff attorneys, are available on site helping with legal research, assisting with producing documents and filling out forms, and providing the guidance necessary to assist community members in advocating for themselves.

Self-help session hours are held at 3130 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley on:

• Mondays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Tuesdays (1st and 3rd Tuesdays only) from 6 – 8 p.m.
• Fridays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Consultations with legal advocates are available by appointment and by drop-in on a first come first served basis.

For information about our services and to schedule appointments, contact CLASS at (510) 548-4064.

Citation Defense for Homeless Clients

In some cases, the Law Center can provide representation to homeless people who have received infraction citations related to the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and a place to rest. The Law Center also works with community organizations and homeless rights advocates to challenge laws that unjustly punish homeless people.

For assistance related to homelessness, come to one of the CLASS or CLO clinics, or call 510.548.4064.