Community Law Project Celebrates Volunteers at Annual Appreciation and Awards Luncheon
SAN DIEGO (June 11, 2025) – California Western School of Law (CWSL)’s Community Law Project (CLP) hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Luncheon last week, bringing together volunteer attorneys, law students, undergraduate administrators, community partners, and CWSL supporters for an afternoon of reflection and gratitude. The event honored the collective efforts that have allowed CLP to expand its reach and deepen its impact throughout San Diego, serving nearly 750 clients across its legal clinics over the past year.
Summer 2024 and Spring 2025 clinical intern Caitlin Burns, now a student leader with CLP, shared her personal reflections on what the experience meant to her. She spoke about the value of hands-on service, the importance of mentorship, and how the program shaped her understanding of community-centered lawyering.
The event also featured two special awards. The Karen Zamudio Memorial Award was presented to CLP volunteer Berenice Cervantes in honor of her demonstrated compassion for others and devotion to making legal information accessible through language interpretation. The Judge Judy Keep Award, given each year to a CLP volunteer who exemplifies dedication, commitment, and compassion in the pursuit of justice and community empowerment, was presented to attorney Maria Chavez.
As the Community Law Project looks ahead, the afternoon served as a powerful reminder that its work is only possible because of the dedication and generosity of its volunteers and supporters.
About the Community Law Project
Community Law Project (CLP) is a law student-run clinic that provides pro bono legal services and education to low-income, vulnerable, and homeless individuals in the San Diego community. CLP provides California Western law students with an awareness of community needs and instills in them a desire to pursue pro bono work throughout their careers.
About California Western School of Law
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.