Statewide Legal Services Organization, Pubic Interest Clearinghouse, selects new Executive Director
Released on = June 25, 2007, 12:39 pm
Press Release Author = Shana Valla
Industry = Law
Press Release Summary = Public Interest Clearinghouse, statewide legal services organization, taps Julia R. Wilson, Director of Legal Aid Association of California, as new Executive Director
Press Release Body = SAN FRANCISCO (June 25, 2007) - The Public Interest Clearinghouse, a statewide nonprofit working with all segments of the legal community to meet the legal needs of low-income Californians, has selected Julia R. Wilson as its next Executive Director, effective today. Wilson was named to lead the Clearinghouse and its programs working with the over 100 legal services nonprofits around the state that provide vital legal assistance to the indigent.
In her new capacity, Wilson will be responsible for promoting the effective delivery network of legal services around the state, as well as leadership on issues involving pro bono involvement by the private bar, support for law students engaged in pro bono and public service commitments, and the innovative use of technology to provide resources and referrals to low-income Californians with legal needs. Wilson replaces Stephanie Choy, who after eight years leading the Public Interest Clearinghouse has been appointed by the State Bar of California to lead its Legal Services Trust Fund Program.
"Julia's energy and commitment to ensuring that low-income residents have access to the legal system will greatly aid the Public Interest Clearinghouse in carrying out its mission across the state," said Board Director Jack Londen, partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP. "As Director of LAAC, she has energized the legal services community, dramatically expanded available resources, and set an example of inspired leadership."
"I am honored and humbled to be selected by the members of the Board to follow in Stephanie's footsteps and lead this dynamic and important organization," said Wilson. "The Public Interest Clearinghouse ensures the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the statewide legal services delivery system, engaging law students, the courts, the State Bar, the private bar, and technology to meet the legal needs of California's low-income and underserved communities." Wilson will also continue her work directing the Legal Aid Association of California, which shares many common goals with the Clearinghouse.
Prior to joining LAAC as Director in 2005, Wilson was Directing Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator at the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, responsible for developing the Society's successful pro bono program and developing connections with law firms around the state. She began her legal career at Legal Aid of San Mateo with a prestigious Equal Justice Works post-graduate fellowship, spending two years working at the cutting edge intersection of welfare reform and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Wilson also serves on the State Bar of California's Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services, as well as the Funding Committee and Pro Bono Task Force of the California Commission on Access to Justice. She holds a bachelor's degree, summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, and graduated with distinction from Stanford Law School in 1998.
About Public Interest Clearinghouse Founded in 1979, the Public Interest Clearinghouse works to expand the capacity of the legal community to provide vital legal services to low-income, disabled, and elderly Californians around the state. With a staff of 11, the Clearinghouse runs the statewide Pro Bono Project for law students, the Public Interest Law Project, the public statewide resource and referral website on legal issues (www.LawHelpCalifornia.org) and multiple other programs addressing the needs of the 100 legal services nonprofits around the state.
About Legal Aid Association of California Based in San Francisco, the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) is a statewide membership organization of nonprofit corporations that offer vital legal services to low-income Californians. LAAC provides support to the statewide legal services system to ensure the most effective and efficient network possible. Its services to members include relevant and affordable training, statewide coordination efforts, innovative uses of technology, and advocacy for legal services programs, including the need for additional funding. # # # Information: Contact Shana Valla 415-834-0100 x 309
Web Site = http://www.pic.org
Contact Details = Shana Valla Public Interest Clearinghouse 47 Kearny Street, Suite 705 San Francisco, CA 94108 415-834-0100 x 309
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