Mission

Monterey College of Law’s mission is to provide a quality legal education in a community law school setting with graduates who are dedicated to professional excellence, integrity, and community service.

The Big Idea

Many people face critical legal issues that affect their lives without knowing where to turn for information and assistance; hiring a private attorney isn’t always an option. Transportation, work hours, and language can be obstacles. With limited resources, many do nothing, often worsening a bad situation. Community Legal Clinics give residents somewhere to turn when experiencing legal problems. MCL students are required to participate in community clinics as part of their education and training. Supervised by faculty attorneys and supported by staff and volunteers, these clinics serve a vital purpose.

Common issues include small claims, housing, family law, limited conservatorship, restraining orders, immigration, and mediation. Our free and low-cost clinics provide information, assistance, and access to justice. Across all services, over 3,000 people have sought our help with legal matters in the past year.

We want to expand our outreach and continue to be a legal resource for the community.

We recently worked with MCL’s mediation services on a neighbor-related issue that we had been dealing with for months. The experience we had with MCL, for which we are very grateful, was incredible. Within two days, the MCL mediator worked out an agreement that was satisfactory to both parties - something we would not have been able to accomplish ourselves. MCL provides numerous services in either English or Spanish to those who need assistance or just need help knowing where to turn. They respond to crises throughout the county before the residents even know that their services will be needed. MCL’s services are high quality and critical for all. I have and will continue to sing their praises!

- Joanne C.