University of San Diego Legal Clinics--Marking 50 Years of Service to the Community

Floor Speech

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Ms. JACOBS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the University of San Diego School of Law's free legal clinics.

Over the past half-century, the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law's free legal clinics have offered assistance to underserved members of society while providing opportunities for law students to learn first-hand from highly skilled attorneys and interact directly with actual clients. These pro bono services to the San Diego community have provided direct client legal services to thousands of San Diego residents in need.

USD School of Law's free legal clinics have developed a model program in the experiential training of law students in the practical application of their legal knowledge. This program has emphasized the principled practice of law, instilling in students the importance of just, ethical, and exemplary legal practice.

In recent years, USD School of Law's free legal clinics have expanded to distinct direct client services clinics.

The Appellate Clinic provides students the opportunity to litigate an appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This is a year-long clinic in which teams of students will handle appeals from start to finish.

The Civil Clinic assists in supplemental Social Security Income and Social Security disability, uninsured motorist defense and consumer issues.

Education and Disability Clinic represents clients at meetings with school district personnel and Regional Center Staff. Matters include school discipline (suspensions and expulsions), special education placement and services, Regional Center and Early Start services, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The Entrepreneurship Clinic provides comprehensive legal assistance to individuals who wish to start or expand a small business or not-for- profit organization, as well as for trademark and copyright issues.

Federal Income Tax Clinic represents taxpayers who have disputes with the Internal Revenue Service in matters such as collection actions or audits, earned income tax credits and offers in compromise.

The Immigration Clinic offers assistance for immigration-related problems such as asylum, immigrating family members, naturalization and deportation.

California State Income Tax Clinic represents low-income taxpayers who have disputes with the Franchise Tax Board in matters of state tax appeals.

California State Sales and Use Tax Clinic is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization. Under the supervision of an attorney from the California State Board of Equalization's Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, students will represent clients with Sales and Use Tax appeals before the Board of Equalization.

Veterans Clinic provides free legal assistance to veterans in disputes with for-profit institutions over the use of GI Bill funds and predatory lending associated with education loans. Legal services range from advice to identification of potential claims to representation of student veterans in litigation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Women's Legal Clinic will meet the legal needs of women, men, and families who are the victims of human trafficking and others by helping with domestic violence restraining orders, child custody and guardianship matters, and dissolution cases.

Workers' Rights Clinic assists lower-income workers with a variety of employment law issues including employee rights, discrimination, medical leave, workplace safety, unpaid wages, unemployment benefits, harassment and wrongful termination.

USD School of Law's free legal clinics have provided tens of millions of dollars of free legal services to low income and underserved residents in San Diego County.

USD School of Law's free legal clinics have trained many of San Diego's finest attorneys, who themselves have added to the reputation of the San Diego legal community.

Madam Speaker, for 50 years USD School of Law's legal clinics have made a tremendous difference in the lives of San Diego residents. The next 50 years promise to see outstanding benefits by continuing this fine tradition.

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