Community Law School

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

San Diego County’s legal education program, the “Know It All” series, was not completely fulfilling its need. The series was focused primarily on the general public, without the reach of local students or practicing attorneys. Due to the lack of attendance at the “Know It All” series, yet knowing of the strong community interest in free law education, the County and the Housing Opportunities Collaborative shared the idea with new partners and the Community Law School series was brought to the library. Community Law School at San Diego County Library is an innovative effort to provide free legal education by bringing lawyers and judges to the public at the trusted venue of the library. The program fills a gap in service and capitalizes on a readymade audience, developing a community classroom where everyone can afford legal education. Comprised of one class per month for six months, classes are taught by local attorneys and judges, and provide education to both practicing and future lawyers, as well as the constituents they serve – the general public. Classes cover various legal topics, such as Bankruptcy Law. The Community Law School series was successful in its first session, with 120 total students in attendance, including law school students, practicing lawyers, and library customers. The value of free assistance provided at these workshops is $246,920, measured by the market value. Community Law School is offered in partnership with the Housing Opportunities Collaborative, Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego, and Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego.