Clinic Gives Free Legal Services To Valley

The Justice Bus Project has rounded California for five years, but just made its first trip to the desert.

“This is a clinic, a two-day clinic, for consumer debt legal issues as well as unlawful detainers and other types of issues,” Mary Gilstrao of the Desert Bar Association said.

After an application process, the project chose clients for the free clinic.

“In two days, we’re going to be able to see approximately 15 to 16 individuals,” Inland Counties Legal Services’ Ugochi Anaebere said.

The Justice Bus aims to bridge the gap for access of services for those most in need in the valley.

“Lawyers are expensive and, for a lot of people who are both middle class and low income, they simply can’t afford an attorney,” Gilstrap said.

“It’s a good program for me. It has helped me a lot especially because I have a lot of years on child support,” Irma Morales, a client, said.

The Justice Bus brought volunteers to inland counties legal services in Indio — law students from Southwest Law school and local volunteer attorneys.

The two-fold program helps the east valley.

“More that anything, I’ve learned about all of my benefits and the rights that a person has,” Morales said.

Also, the lawyers of our future.

“Law school teaches you how to think like lawyer, but it doesn’t actually teach you how to practice law,” Southwest Law School student Rodolfo Marquez said.

Organizers say they hope the Justice Bus returns to the valley next year, with more law students and local attorney volunteers. The clinic runs again Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It helps to have an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome.