Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

🚨Tomorrow is your last chance to vote YES on Prop 5 — a historic opportunity to change how local communities address affordable housing and public infrastructure needs. California is grappling with a huge shortage of affordable housing and a backlog on critically needed public infrastructure—roads, water, transit, and emergency services. Voters want local solutions, but state law currently limits our ability to approve housing and infrastructure bonds in our communities. It’s time to change that! Let’s advocate for the tools we need to build a better future together. Vote YES on Prop 5! 🏠 #YesOnProp5 #AffordableHousing #HousingJustice

If you haven’t cast your ballot yet, there’s still time to vote YES on Prop 5! 🏠   Prop 5 equips us with the tools to make housing accessible for millions struggling with high costs, including building more supportive housing for those with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness. Cast your votes by November 5th and vote YES on Prop 5! Learn more at yesonprop5.org #YesOnProp5 #AffordableHousing #HousingJustice

On our last day of Pro Bono Week, the Law Foundation is proud to honor  and recognize pro bono volunteer Ella Noll of Baker McKenzie! 🎉   Earlier this year, Ella volunteered with the Law Foundation’s Pro Bono Team to represent a teen via our Children and Youth program who was seeking a legal guardianship on their own behalf. From the start, Ella approached every step of the case with compassion, kindness, and attention to detail.     Throughout every turn, Ella responded thoughtfully, prioritizing her client’s wishes, well-being, and experience overall. Her in-court litigation was impeccable and in the end, she secured a much-needed and life-changing result for her young client. Thank you, Ella, for your unwavering care and commitment. ✨

🗳️ Have you cast your vote yet? We’re urging our neighbors to vote YES on Prop 5 — a game-changing measure that would enable Californians to address affordable housing and public infrastructure needs in their communities. We know there’s a lot at stake this election. A YES on Prop 5 is your chance to make a lasting, positive impact for all Californians and our local community. Learn more at yesonprop5.org #YesOnProp5 #AffordableHousing #HousingJustice

Happy 2024 Pro Bono Week from the Law Foundation! Today, we are excited to recognize the incredible attorney and advocate Kali McGuire from DLA Piper!  ✨    Dependable, caring, and talented, Kali has lent her time and expertise to the Law Foundation across multiple cases and practice areas.       When our Children and Youth program needs an expert to assist a former foster youth with tax related legal issues, Kali is there to weigh in on complicated financial matters while empowering the young client start to finish.       When a client has a particularly complex set of circumstances while seeking a name and gender marker change order from the court, Kali steps in to answer every question, draft every form, and provide compassionate support all the way through.      Kali, thank you for expertly taking on so many matters and for your incredible and caring advocacy! 🏅

On Day 4 of our 2024 Pro Bono Week Awards, we are excited to honor and thank our incredible pro bono partner Cooley LLP! 🎉   Over the last year, Cooley LLP has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to pro bono by having the largest number of individual pro bono volunteers of all the Law Foundation’s exceptional pro bono partners.    From drafting name and gender marker change petitions to empowering a child client through empathetic representation in a legal guardianship case, Cooley LLP's attorneys and staff exemplify compassionate, zealous, and client-focused advocacy.    Cooley LLP volunteers reliably take cases in our existing projects and eagerly help launch new projects to meet community needs. Cooley LLP is committed, available, and willing to help.  Cooley LLP, we are honored to partner with you and honored to recognize the work your incredible team does year after year. 🌟

Today, as part of the Law Foundation’s 2024 Pro Bono Week, we are excited to recognize a dedicated pro bono attorney, Scarlettah J. Schaefer! ✨   Scarlettah has generously donated her time within our Security Deposit Pro Bono Project, which pairs pro bono volunteers with tenants seeking the return of their security deposit from a landlord who has withheld it in violation of their housing rights.    We recognize Scarlettah because of her dedication and passion to fiercely advocate for her clients. Scarlettah goes above and beyond in her client assistance, treating clients with empathy and respect from start to finish. She thoughtfully explains every step of the process, provides consistent and caring support, and excels in comprehensive and empowering trial preparation.     Scarlettah, we thank you for your time and for your outstanding care for members of our community.  

Tenants at Summerwinds apartments in San Jose have been struggling to get necessary repairs to their units for over 10 years, with no real solution from the property owner. The Law Foundation’s Housing team worked alongside tenants to form a tenant association and advocate for better living conditions. Despite facing discrimination, safety concerns, and poor pest control, the association continues to push for change. Today, we rallied for management to meet with tenants and address their demands. The Law Foundation empowers low-income renters to take charge of their tenant protection priorities, showing that collective action leads to greater influence and a better quality of life for tenants. #TenantRights #CommunityAction #HousingRights #SocialJustice

Happy 2024 Pro Bono Week from the Law Foundation! Today, we are honored to recognize Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP!  🏆    Earlier this year, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP partnered with our Pro Bono team to launch a new project to further serve our local LGBTQ+ community. In addition to helping folks petition for name and gender marker change orders, we now proudly pair folks who have received their court order with pro bono volunteers who will help them correct their identity documents, such as their driver’s license and birth certificate.      Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP donated their time and expertise to help us roll out this exciting project at a Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic during Pride Month! Thanks to the incredible care and the kindness of their volunteers, we are proud to share that the launch of this project has been a success!      Thank you Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for partnering with us through the early and exciting stages of a project that we are thrilled to continue! 🎉

On Day 2 of our 2024 Pro Bono Week Recognition, we are excited to spotlight incredible attorney Tina Yang Chin of Cisco!  🎉   Over the last year, Tina has lent her time, energy, and expertise to Law Foundation clients by representing youth and their families facing potentially life altering school discipline actions.    Most recently, Tina protected the rights and amplified the voice of a youth who had a pending expulsion hearing. With ardent advocacy and skillful negotiation, she ensured the youth would stay in school with necessary support and services to help address his needs.     Tina, we are thrilled to recognize your work during Pro Bono Week. Thank you for all you do!