IRVINE, Calif. (April 3, 2025) — University of California, Irvine School of Law students once again spent part of their spring break serving communities in need through UC Irvine Law’s Alternative Spring Break program. This year, 24 UC Irvine Law students traveled to Northern California, Mississippi and Montana in early March to provide pro bono legal services at a variety of organizations, accompanied by dedicated UC Irvine Law staff.
Northern California
Anna Davis, Director of Externships and Pro Bono at UC Irvine Law, accompanied nine students to Northern California where they volunteered at two offices of Legal Services of Northern California. Five students were placed in the Ukiah office, while four worked in Auburn. The students gained firsthand experience in delivering legal aid to clients in rural and remote areas, focusing on criminal record expungements. They participated in in-person legal clinics, preparing applications that were filed by the clients. The students in Ukiah raved about their experience and took time to visit a redwood grove before their departure. Auburn students capped their week with a trivia contest.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to volunteer with Legal Services of Northern California in Auburn,” said first-year UC Irvine Law student Nathan Akiyoshi. “It was encouraging and fulfilling to help clients through the Clean Slate Program.”
Mississippi
Venturing into Mississippi, UC Irvine Law students split into different groups to address a variety of legal needs in communities across the state located in Jackson and Biloxi.
Leslie Parrish, Assistant Director of Career Development, Public Sector at UC Irvine Law, accompanied two groups in Jackson. Four students engaged in fieldwork with Disability Rights Mississippi, visiting a correctional facility and the state mental health hospital, including a soon-to-open forensic unit for high-needs patients. The group also explored the hospital’s museum.
Meanwhile, another pair of students in Jackson worked alongside the Mississippi Center for Legal Services (MCLS), performing a wide variety of substantive work. MCLS staff were grateful to third-year UC Irvine Law student Claire Foster, who researched and drafted an emergency custody order for a contentious family law case. The staff also commended second-year UC Irvine Law student Ryan Balaoing on his “impeccable research skills.” Both students reviewed briefs and discussed strategy for a case that is set to be argued in the Mississippi Court of Appeals.
Three students journeyed to Biloxi to collaborate with the Mississippi Center for Justice. Immersed in community lawyering, the group worked on a variety of housing-related assignments. They also observed eviction court proceedings, where they gained insight into Mississippi’s unique judicial system. The students presented their research at the end of the week and received diplomas from the organization.
Students in Jackson also had the opportunity to visit the Civil Rights Museum, while those in Biloxi celebrated Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday with the local community.
Montana
Maryam Zomorodian (’20), Program Director of Global Programs at UC Irvine Law, accompanied six students to Hardin, Montana, where they volunteered at the Big Horn County Attorney’s Office, located in a rural community just outside of Billings. The students supported County Attorney Jeanne Torske in prosecution work, drafting charging complaints and warrants, and visited the Crow Reservation where they assisted Crow Tribal Prosecutor David Sibley. They also observed proceedings at District Court, Crow Tribal Court, and Justice Court, and engaged in lively conversations with legal professionals and judges, including the Hon. Matthew Wald (District Court), the Hon. Darren McDonald (Crow Tribal Court), and the Hon. Ernie Bear Don’t Walk (Justice Court). Students described it as a remarkable learning experience.
“This experience was incredibly enlightening, fueling my understanding of the complexities at the intersection of state and tribal justice systems,” said second-year UC Irvine Law student Niki Kazemi.
The group also met UC Irvine Law alum Emily Cross (’16), General Counsel for KOA Campgrounds, during a dinner in Billings. Additionally, students explored the cultural and historical significance of the region by visiting the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and learning about Crow history and language from Vance Crooked Arm and Levi Yellowmule of Little Big Horn College.
UC Irvine Law’s Michael G. Ermer Pro Bono Program provides unique opportunities for students to volunteer during each academic break. These projects allow students to have a more intensive pro bono experience. The experiences in Northern California, Montana and Mississippi are just a few of many opportunities provided during recent breaks. Learn more about UC Irvine Law’s alternative break opportunities.
2025 Pro Bono Spring Break Photo Album
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
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