Contact:
Wayne Kessler
Baretz+Brunelle
732.239.9710 Mobile
wkessler@baretzbrunelle.com

Patricia Narciso
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto 
(650) 422-2106
pnarciso@clsepa.org

PALO ALTO, CA (January 18, 2023) — Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Wilson Sonsini) and Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) are proud to announce that their joint pro bono efforts in 2022 alone resulted in successfully obtaining deferred action for 14 immigration clients; employment authorization for 14 clients; permanent residency for six clients; and asylum and U-Visa status for two additional clients. These clients are typically families led by single mothers who have survived severe violence and danger and need assistance in navigating the U.S. immigration system. In addition, Wilson Sonsini volunteers contributed more than 100 hours in Mandatory Settlement Conference clinics organized by CLSEPA in 2022, assisting numerous community members facing eviction.

“We are thankful for our partnership with CLSEPA and to represent brave clients who have often overcome extreme odds and hardship,” said Luke Liss, Pro Bono Partner at Wilson Sonsini, a global law firm and premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises with deep roots in Silicon Valley. “Wilson Sonsini has partnered with CLSEPA for almost 20 years to assist hundreds of refugees, survivors, and community members who otherwise cannot afford or obtain legal services. The dedication and expertise of the team at CLSEPA in facilitating this work consistently stands out. They are a truly valued and excellent pro bono partner.”

CLSEPA identifies clients by conducting intakes and clinics to field claims for immigration relief, housing-related matters such as evictions, and criminal vacatur matters for survivors of human trafficking from community members. Then, in addition to taking on cases itself, CLSEPA magnifies its impact by partnering with some of Silicon Valley ‘s most prestigious firms to take on the major commitment of full-scope client representation.

"Immigration cases, including asylum, can involve a commitment anywhere from 2-10 years from filing to resolution," said Mariam Kelly, Managing Attorney with the Immigration program at CLSEPA. "We commend Wilson Sonsini for making pro bono work a priority. Their efforts enable us to serve many more community members than we would be able to by relying on our staff alone. When we place clients at Wilson Sonsini, we know that they will receive excellent representation from attorneys and staff who truly care about getting them the best possible result in their path to safety and permanency in this country." 

Wilson Sonsini attorneys have contributed thousands of volunteer hours annually to ensure that people living in Silicon Valley get proper representation throughout the lifespan of their cases. In addition, the Wilson Sonsini Foundation makes major annual contributions to support CLSEPA’s operations in recognition of the value provided by CLSEPA attorneys through mentorship and coaching in immigration and housing law.

This mutual partnership has translated into safety, security, and a brighter future for countless members of the community.

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini’s services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has 19 offices in technology and business hubs worldwide. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

About Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA)

Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) provides legal assistance and advocacy on behalf of low-income individuals and families in East Palo Alto and surrounding communities. Its practice areas include immigration, housing, and economic advancement, and its mission is to provide transformative legal services that enable diverse communities in East Palo Alto and beyond to achieve a secure and thriving future. www.clsepa.org