Sophia Bernhardt, NYU student and summer law clerk at EBCLC, at the entryway to EBCLC's new offices (Photo by Jonathon Marley)
The East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) celebrated a milestone on May 31 when it opened the doors of a new office facility in Berkeley.
"The purchase of this wonderful facility is a sign of the strengthening ties between EBCLC and Boalt," said EBCLC Executive Director Tirien Steinbach '99 at the grand opening reception. "Thanks to the support of many individuals, law firms, foundations, and our lead donor, Boalt Hall, we now have a physical environment that reflects the excellent professional services that our clients, community partners, and students have come to expect."
The building is wholly owned by EBCLC, a $3.25 million investment that was the culmination of the successful Building for Justice campaign. Boalt contributed $1 million to the campaign, which enabled EBCLC to purchase the building, renovate and furnish the new office, and create a maintenance fund.
Founded by a group of Boalt students in 1988 as the Berkeley Community Law Clinic, EBCLC has remained true to its original mission—ensuring that well-trained legal advocates are available to all people, regardless of economic status.
Back then, however, the whole operation could generously be described as modest. Housed in a bare storefront, the clinic possessed a single typewriter, shared by a staff of three.
Now, EBCLC is recognized as the largest provider of free legal services in the East Bay. It's also Boalt Hall's largest clinical practice with a full-time staff of 20 and 125 law students working in the areas of housing, welfare, HIV/AIDS, community economic development and homelessness.
EBCLC serves approximately 4,000 low-income clients and community groups each year and, with 44 percent more space, it has increased its capacity to serve more clients and train more students.
EBCLC's all-time executive lineup: Bernida Reagan, Jeff Selbin, and Tirien Steinbach (Photo by Jonathon Marley)
On hand for the opening celebration were Dean Christopher Edley and both of EBCLC's former executive directors—Bernida Reagan, who led EBCLC from 1988 to 2002, and Jeff Selbin, who served from 2002 to 2006.
"EBCLC stands out for its innovative, multi-disciplinary services driven by client and community need," said Reagan. "Having its own home will only enhance EBCLC's role as a national leader in legal services and clinical education."
Edley spoke about the key role that EBCLC plays in Boalt's curriculum. Notwithstanding the significant financial support provided by Boalt, Edley observed that the center returns equal or greater support to Boalt by enhancing its reputation for providing superior legal training programs.
"Having the dean and so many folks from Boalt in attendance made it a wonderful evening," Steinbach said. "It was a great chance to connect and celebrate."
Steinbach took on the executive director role in March (see related story), after several years as EBCLC's clinical director. Before joining EBCLC, she founded the Clean Slate Practice, which helps clients with non-violent criminal records move forward in their lives.
To learn more about EBCLC's history and programs, visit its website.
(6/5/07)
