University of California, Irvine School of Law students, faculty and staff are providing pro bono assistance to community members affected by the devastating 2025 wildfires in Southern California. Through disaster relief clinics and legal aid programs, UC Irvine Law pro bono volunteers are providing support to wildfire-impacted community members navigating FEMA claims, insurance issues, and other legal matters.
As part of the School of Law’s Michael G. Ermer Pro Bono Program, UC Irvine Law students — including first-year students Mia M. Alvaraz, Justin S. Choo, Benjamin E. Kamins, Kayla Solomon, Kevin A. Valero, second-year student Chloe B. Young, and third-year student Claire Foster — participated in Disaster Assistance Clinics held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Pasadena and Santa Monica. Under the supervision of attorneys, students gained hands-on experience while providing much-needed guidance to impacted communities on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claims, insurance disputes, employment concerns, and other legal issues arising from the wildfires.
The Law School further expanded its efforts by volunteering at a FEMA-focused clinic at the Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic in Pasadena on Saturday, January 25. UC Irvine Law students — including first-year students Ryan C. Chong, Kelsea Clemente, Shaundra Leigh Khan, Sevana R. Manoukian, Isadora R. Stern and third-year student Rachel C. Castillo — provided direct assistance to survivors under the supervision of Cindy Archer, Professor of Lawyering Skills; Leslie Parrish, Assistant Director of Career Development, Public Sector; and Nasreen B. Zia, Director of Student Financial Services. Aimed at those interested in volunteering at disaster assistance centers and those looking to provide legal assistance, specialized FEMA trainings were provided by both Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. The training prepared volunteers to navigate the complex legal needs of disaster survivors, including housing, education, public benefits, family law, health issues, and FEMA appeals.
“As a community, UC Irvine Law has always responded to adversity with a drive to serve,” said Anna Davis, Director of Externship and Pro Bono Programs. “We encourage anyone that is able to volunteer for some of the pro bono opportunities to get involved.”
UC Irvine Law community members are encouraged to explore the following current pro bono opportunities:
- Insurance Questions—Advice & Counsel: This is an opportunity for those that are already knowledgeable about insurance law to help. Email Skip Koenig for more information: SkipKoenig@nlsla.org.
- Housing Clinics with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA): You can volunteer for one or multiple of these virtual clinics, which will be every Wednesday in February from 10am-2pm. The first hour will be a presentation to all tenants on their rights, the law, and common issues that are arising. The following three hours will be individual appointments with tenant-clients offering counsel and advice. NLSLA already held the training for the clinic, but the recording and PowerPoint will be made available. Register here and indicate your availability.
- Bet Tzedek Rapid Response—Wildfire Relief: If you are interested in offering pro bono assistance to Bet Tzedek clients, use this form to indicate your information and areas where you can assist.
- FEMA Clinics in Pasadena: Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles is hosting FEMA clinics at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena on Feb. 8 and Feb. 22, 1-4 p.m. for both. You can volunteer at this link. Training is available in a recording that can be found here.
UC Irvine School of Law’s acclaimed Michael G. Ermer Pro Bono Program embodies the Law School’s commitment to public service and experiential learning. Open to all UC Irvine Law students, the program provides students an opportunity to offer legal services to underserved communities under the guidance and supervision of licensed attorneys and faculty members. More than 90 percent of students actively participate in pro bono work at some point during their time at UC Irvine Law — with over 100 pro bono projects available each semester providing crucial assistance to underserved individuals.
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