IRVINE, Calif. (May 9, 2024) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law’s Criminal Justice Clinic will be honored with the 2024 Community Partner of the Year Award from Public Law Center (PLC) at the annual Volunteers for Justice Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 11 at the Turnip Rose Promenade and Gardens in Costa Mesa.
“UC Irvine School of Law is thrilled to see the Criminal Justice Clinic recognized as Public Law Center’s Community Partner of the Year,” said Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen Parrish. “The CJC and PLC do such important work in the criminal and immigration law areas and make a major difference for low-income and vulnerable residents of Orange County.”
Directed by Professor Katie Tinto, CJC assists low-income individuals in state criminal court and helps non-citizens seek post-conviction relief when facing immigration consequences of past criminal offenses. The clinic also advocates for the release of prisoners who are elderly and in poor health, or are serving lengthy prison offenses, often due to outdated and unjust sentencing laws.
Public Law Center recognized CJC for its commitment to justice and service and for its dedication to PLC clients as pro bono partners, with a particular spotlight on some of the post-conviction successes the clinic secured for PLC’s clients who are victims of trafficking.
“It is incredibly rewarding to help PLC’s clients with post-conviction relief so that they are able stay in the United States and continue on their path forward,” said Professor Tinto. “The partnership between CJC and PLC is a powerful one and together we are able to provide clients the critical legal services they need.”
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
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