The Civil Justice Clinic at UC Hastings College of Law has recognized Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center with its Community Partner Award for “Outstanding Commitment to Workers’ Rights and the Practical Training of Law Students.”
Legal Aid has had a longstanding relationship with Hastings and the law school is a key partner in Legal Aid’s Workers’ Rights Clinic and Unemployment and Wage Claims Project. At the Clinic and Claims Project, Hastings students are trained to provide legal information to low-wage workers with work-related legal issues and represent clients at hearings before the Labor Commissioner and the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board.
“Having Hastings as a partner has been critical to the success of the Clinic and Claims Project,” said Carole Vigne, Director of the Claims Project at Legal Aid. “The students’ talent and commitment allow us to serve as many individuals as we do. Without the students and the support of Hastings’ leadership and the Civil Justice Clinic, we would not be able to advise hundreds of workers and represent scores of clients each year.”
The award was presented to Carole Vigne on May 11, 2012.