Earlier this month, experienced attorneys in the diocese of Oakland formed the Pope Francis Legal Clinic in order to offer free legal counsel to adults in the community, the Catholic News Agency reports.
Tom Greerty, the director and co-founder of the clinic, is a retired lawyer, who decided to establish the clinic while studying theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley.
“So many people have legal problems,” he told the CNA. “What we try and do is relieve the hardships of people.” Clients will receive free legal consulting, reconciliation and resolution services.
Nico Herrera, another attorney in the diocese, cofounded the clinic, and the Order of Malta created a space for the new project on the grounds of the Cathedral of Christ the Light.
Each client receives an hour-long consultation from a licensed attorney where the client’s problem is discussed in detail. To date, 10 lawyers have volunteered their time and 20 clients have already made appointments.
