Living in what she described as a situation of “horrific domestic violence,” Louisa escaped to a temporary emergency shelter where she stayed for ten months before she finally sought help from Trinity Law School’s Mobile Legal Clinic.
Attorney and Professor Bryan Kazarian was serving in the Mobile Legal Clinic that day, along with some of his students. They welcomed Louisa warmly and worked with her over the next few weeks to clean up her legal record so she could take the next steps to turn her life around.
Louisa describes the Trinity legal team as, “Angels who wear shoes.” She says, “They helped me file declarations and petitions to have my record expunged. I am so very grateful. It brings tears to my eyes that perfect strangers would help me turn my life around. My expungement was completely successful.”
Now, Louisa lives in a one-bedroom apartment with her little pet dog and works as a Housing Navigator, helping other needy people find permanent housing. She says, “I’m finally at peace and feel safe, which is an immeasurable blessing. I am now giving back to others.” She has purchased a truck with her earnings and is faithfully attending a church. “I’m doing better than good,” she says. “Oh, God has been so good to me. He has been so, so good to me!”
The Assistant Dean of Clinical Programs for Trinity Law School, Joy Statler, says that clearing criminal records, for those who qualify, can greatly enhance their chances of securing employment, housing, and other essentials, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.
The Mobile Legal Clinic is a joint ministry partnership between Trinity Law School and Orange County Rescue Mission, whose purpose is “to minister the love of Jesus Christ to the least, the last, and the lost.” Since 2012, the Mobile Legal Clinic has been going weekly to sites operated by the rescue mission—primarily the Tustin Temporary Shelter and The House of Hope, a women’s shelter.
Working in the mobile clinic is actually a course that Trinity Law School students take for credit. They must apply and interview to be selected for a position. Once admitted, they train under the professor/supervising attorney. In the clinic, they gain practical experience with clients, finding solutions for their problems, providing legal advice, preparing court filings, and interacting with other agencies to assist in the specific legal or quasi-legal issues presented.
The Mobile Legal Clinic is just one of the clinical electives that Trinity Law students can choose to gain practical experience while working on their law degree. It also gives them an opportunity to serve and minister to the underserved in their community.
Louisa says, “Words cannot express the gratitude and heartfelt thanks in my heart for the way God has recycled my life for His glory, and I thank everyone who took the time and had a hand in my redemption story. May God bless your beautiful minds and hearts; may He bestow everlasting grace and mercy over each and every student and professor at Trinity Law School.”
Attorney and Professor Bryan Kazarian told Louisa that the mission and law school were “touched by your story of redemption and your magnificent turnaround. Our legal clinic was blessed to have the privilege of helping you.”
Louisa’s response is heartfelt: “I am truly grateful for the incredible support your team provided me, helping to navigate through my challenging situation. The assistance I received was a profound blessing. It brings tears to my eyes to see how God has orchestrated such an unimaginable turnaround in my life. Glory be to Him!”