How Our Pro Bono Partners Help Achieve Justice Across Rural California
At CRLA, we are deeply grateful for our pro bono partners who help support our mission of dismantling unjust systems through community lawyering. In honor of National Pro Bono Week, we are spotlighting a couple of our pro bono partners who have graciously donated their time and efforts to achieving a just and equitable world where all communities prosper.
The Power of Community Lawyering in Building Educational Opportunities
Recognizing Pro Bono Partner Joshua Cruz of Joshua Cruz Law Offices
CRLA is proud to highlight and recognize the excellent work done by Attorney Joshua Cruz of Joshua Cruz Law Offices who has been assisting the Indigenous Justice Program in education-related cases. Attorney Cruz has been representing an Indigenous client from the Triqui community of San Juan Copala who has experienced significant language access barriers when trying to access matters related to her children's education.
Among Attorney Cruz's accomplishments is reaching an agreement between the school district and the client for the creation of an educational compensatory fund for the provision of education-related services, including academic tutoring, speech and language services, and occupational therapy. Likewise, Attorney Cruz has successfully intervened to ensure the necessary educational evaluations are conducted to assist the children in their academic progress.
Currently, Attorney Cruz is working on securing interpreting services for our client to ensure she has equal access to matters related to her child’s education. We are deeply grateful to Attorney Cruz, who has demonstrated professionalism, empathy, respect, and compassion throughout our collaboration.
Legal Intern Champions Disability Rights
Recognizing Pro Bono Partner Keyera Mackabee
CRLA is proud to highlight and recognize the excellent work done by our legal intern Keyera Mackabee. Keyera interned with the Stockton Rural Justice Program over the summer and continues to do during her externship with us this fall.
She supported an elderly client whose property manager tried to take away her ESA dog after neighbor complaints. Many people weren’t listening or didn’t see the toll it was taking on the client, but Keyera truly understood how much the dog meant for her mental health and well-being. She led a mediation with determination, showing that the complaints were unfounded and that the client’s rights under the ADA had been violated.
Because of Keyera’s advocacy, the client was able to have her dog returned and regain peace of mind.
Empowering the Next Generation of Justice Advocates
Keyera recently applied for and won a scholarship through the San Joaquin County Bar Association Women Lawyers Section, receiving $1,500 to support her law school expense! Keyera hopes to continue with CRLA after graduation, and her compassion, persistence, and commitment to standing up for clients when no one else will is deeply inspiring.
Join the Movement for Rural Justice
Pro bono partners like Joshua and Keyera change the lives of our clients and communities. CRLA welcomes attorneys, law students, and volunteers who want to join the fight for justice.
If you are interested in pro bono opportunities with CRLA, please contact our Pro Bono team at probonosupport@crla.org to discuss current opportunities that could fit your pro bono goals or visit crla.org/volunteer to learn more.
