As we close out 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible compassion, dedication, and strength our community has shown throughout the year. Together, we’ve stood alongside immigrant families, survivors, and workers as they navigate complex systems and seek the justice they deserve.
Each clinic, training, and volunteer hour this year represented more than just a completed task. It was an act of solidarity. Here are some of the highlights that defined our collective impact this year.
Poll Monitoring Program
In October and November 2025, during the special statewide election for Proposition 50, AJSOCAL conducted a poll monitoring and legal observing program in Orange County. Through our Demographic Research Project, we analyzed 2020 Census data to identify and target 36 vote centers located in neighborhoods with high concentrations of limited English proficient AAPI voters. AJSOCAL recruited and scheduled 52 dedicated volunteers, assigning them to cover three to four vote centers per shift.
Volunteers included attorneys from major law firms, students from local Southern California law schools, and other professionals committed to advancing civic engagement and voting rights. They represented diverse personal and professional backgrounds, with many bringing community-based experience and multilingual skills that helped them engage effectively with voters in AAPI neighborhoods. Their duties included monitoring for any missing materials or required services that poll workers were obligated to provide, completing the compliance checklist questionnaire, and documenting their observations throughout the day. Volunteers were asked to note issues related to physical and language accessibility, voter assistance from poll workers, and any instances of anti-Asian discrimination, voter intimidation, or interference. As legal observers, they also monitored for any interactions involving ICE/law enforcement or election officials that would constitute vote chilling or other inappropriate/illegal activities at vote centers and helped ensure that voters’ rights were respected throughout the day.
AJSOCAL received a total of 209 completed questionnaires from volunteers over four polling days (early voting on October 27, November 2, and November 3, and Election Day on November 4), giving us valuable, data-driven insight into voting conditions and areas for improvement. Many participants shared that serving as poll monitors deepened their understanding of the voting process and empowered them to support their communities in a tangible, meaningful way.
A special thank you to our partners, including local law schools and local firms, for helping us recruit and deploy volunteers. Their support ensured broad coverage across the county and strengthened our collective impact.
Clinic Highlights
Removal Defense Clinics (August 6, 2025 & September 13, 2025)
In August and September, our Los Angeles Immigration Project (IP) team hosted two clinics that became some of the most meaningful moments of our year. Across both clinics, we served 25 clients representing 12 different countries and speaking six foreign languages.
Our August clinic took place in two sessions, one in Chinese and one in English, and we supported 13 clients. In the middle of the clinic, an ICE enforcement action unfolded near MacArthur Park, just a few blocks from our Downtown Los Angeles office. Our team did not miss a beat. We immediately shifted to protect our clients, kept everyone calm, and still maintained full attendance. Thanks to quick coordination and steady leadership, every client went home safely. It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters and how reliable and composed our team remains even under intense pressure.
In September, we welcomed 12 clients who were meeting us for the first time after being reassigned by a former staff member. We were fortunate to partner with 18 volunteers from Southern California Edison (SCE), who supported screenings, interpretation, and essential document preparation. Although the day had its moments of chaos, it was grounded in care, collaboration, and a shared commitment to restoring trust for clients navigating an increasingly anti-immigrant environment.
None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary preparation, flexibility, and heart of our immigration staff, along with the support of colleagues across departments. We also extend our deep appreciation to the volunteers and interpreters whose time, skill, and commitment ensured that every client felt supported, valued, and never alone.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Family Law Clinic (October 4, 2025)
In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our Survivor and Family Empowerment (SAFE) unit hosted our SAFE Space Family Law Clinic. This clinic is offered twice a year, including an additional session every April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
At the clinic, survivors of domestic violence received legal consultations related to family law, guardianship, and juvenile dependency. Although our team does not provide full scope representation in guardianship or juvenile dependency matters, we offered guidance and limited support to help survivors understand their options. A total of 12 consultations were completed, and at least 1 client has since transferred into longer-term services.
Creating additional opportunities for survivors to seek legal help is essential. Many individuals face barriers to accessing services during the regular work week due to their own responsibilities, and most of our community partner-based clinics take place during weekday hours. Offering a dedicated clinic outside that structure ensures survivors have more flexible and safe ways to reach us.
This clinic also allowed us to support individuals who benefit from in-person communication, including older adults and community members who face challenges with technology when reviewing documents or communicating electronically. We also provided services in language for clients who needed language support.
The clinic was made possible through the commitment of our staff and volunteer community. Participating volunteers included 4 staff attorneys, 1 pro bono attorney, 2 volunteer law clerks, 3 AJSOCAL ALLIP staff, 4 AJSOCAL general staff, and 2 volunteer support staff. Their dedication ensured that survivors received compassionate, trauma informed, and accessible assistance throughout the day.
Koreatown Mega Clinic & Resource Fair (November 1, 2025)
In early November, AJSOCAL hosted a highly successful Koreatown Mega Legal Clinic and Resource Fair, bringing essential services, legal support, and community resources directly to more than 300 community members in the heart of K-town.
Our team worked across multiple departments to provide a wide range of direct services. The clinic offered 35 one-on-one legal appointments led by our Citizenship, Survivor and Family Empowerment (SAFE), Housing Protection (HP), and Health Access Program (HAP) units, along with pro bono attorneys who provided guidance on estate planning and civil and labor consultations.
In addition to individualized support, the event featured four legal workshops designed to empower and educate community members. Sessions included:
- Recognizing & Reporting Scams
- Tenant Rights
- Civil Lawsuits 101
- Family Law Basics
The resource fair brought together a strong network of community partners. We were joined by four community-based organizations – KACLA, KIWA, Shalom Center, and KYCC, and six government agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (LAOIA), Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH), Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA Office), Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and the Office of Mark Gonzalez. Their presence ensured that attendees could access information, referrals, and support all in one place.
This year also marked an exciting first: our Community Engagement team coordinated and successfully distributed 200 food boxes to families and individuals attending the fair, expanding the event’s reach beyond legal services.
We are grateful for the 12 volunteers who dedicated 31 collective volunteer hours to help make the clinic run smoothly and ensure that every participant felt supported.
Looking Ahead: Emergency Planning Legal Clinic (December 6, 2025)
Next month, AJSOCAL will host its first-ever Emergency Planning Legal Clinic on Saturday, December 6 at our new Orange County office in Anaheim. This clinic is designed to help immigrant community members prepare for the unthinkable in an increasingly difficult and aggressive immigration enforcement environment.
The clinic will provide critical services including Powers of Attorney, Caretaker Affidavits, and passport application support for United States citizen children. To make this event possible, we are seeking the support of pro bono attorneys and volunteers. While bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated, language skills are not required to participate.
We are proud to collaborate with our community partners Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) and the Center for Asian Americans in Action (CAAA) to bring this important clinic to families in need.
Ways to Stay Connected & Partner with Us
As we look toward into 2026, there are many ways to continue supporting and growing this movement for justice:
- Partner with Us: Law firms, schools, and community-based organizations can collaborate on upcoming clinics, training sessions, and advocacy campaigns
- Volunteer: Community volunteers, regardless of experience level, play an important role and are always needed in supporting our clients
- Host a Training: Invite our team to provide a Know Your Rights, Bystander Intervention, or How to Respond to Harassment Training for your organization or network of people
- Support Our Work: Contributions help fund clinic materials, volunteer coordination, and community outreach efforts
- Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for impact stories, upcoming opportunities, and program updates
In Gratitude
As we close this chapter of 2025, we extend our deepest thanks to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who made this year’s impact possible. Your time, compassion, and expertise empower our communities to not just survive but thrive.
Here’s to another year of showing up, standing together, and building a more just future for all.
With gratitude,
The AJSOCAL Pro Bono Team
