McGuireWoods, Bank of America and California Rural Legal Assistance are winners of the 2023 OneJustice Champions of Justice Awards for their pro bono collaboration helping low-income California residents petition to expunge misdemeanor criminal records. Award winners were honored at OneJustice’s “Opening Doors to Justice Gala,” held June 22 in San Francisco.
OneJustice is a California nonprofit organization working to strengthen the legal industry’s capacity to advance justice and equity. Its activities include engaging the private sector to provide pro bono legal services. The annual Champions of Justice Awards honor individuals and organizations for their extraordinary dedication expanding pro bono and legal services throughout the state.
Since 2019, lawyers in McGuireWoods’ Los Angeles offices have partnered with Bank of America and CRLA to hold CLE training and pro bono expungement clinics. Clinic volunteers work in teams to help low-income individuals complete and file petitions to expunge misdemeanor criminal records, which opens doors to employment, housing and benefits and reduces recidivism. The most recent clinic was held June 8, 2023, in Ventura County.
“The services clinic volunteers provide help remove barriers that prevented clients from fulfilling their potential and making a positive impact in their communities,” said partner Charlotte Pashley, pro bono leader in McGuireWoods’ Century City, California, office. “It is rewarding to be part of a collaboration that has a powerful impact.”
Nick Hoffman, pro bono leader in the firm’s downtown Los Angeles office, added: “We are proud of our longstanding collaboration with Bank of America and CRLA and honored to share this award with wonderful partners. We look forward to continuing this important work together.”