[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 178 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO LEGAL CLINICS--MARKING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                             THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SARA JACOBS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2021

  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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