Member School Highlight – University of San Diego School of Law

Member School Highlight – University of San Diego School of Law

Location: San Diego, CA
Founded: 1954
Joined AALS: 1966
Dean: Robert Schapiro

The University of San Diego School of Law is an extension of the private, independent, Roman Catholic University of San Diego. Since its establishment in 1954, the USD School of Law has nurtured the academic growth of approximately 800 Juris Doctor and graduate students per year from various parts of the United States and the world. Recognized for its comprehensive curriculum, the law school excels in the fields of business and corporate law, constitutional law, intellectual property, international law, public interest law, and taxation.

For more than fifty years, the USD School of Law has been providing free legal services to San Diego residents in need through its 12 client-serving legal clinics. The newest legal clinic at USD School of Law is the Housing Rights Clinic, which was founded to provide pro bono legal services to underserved populations facing homelessness in San Diego County. The Housing Rights Clinic was established in April 2022 as a project under the Civil Legal Clinic, receiving a $230,000 grant award from Price Philanthropies to kickstart its efforts.

The project aims to provide education, outreach, and direct client representation to meet the legal needs of low-income and undocumented tenants facing housing instability and homelessness. In January 2023, the project transitioned into its own clinic, allowing for the opportunity to serve more clients and have a wider impact in San Diego County.

Professor of Practice Alysson Snow addressing community members at an event hosted by the Housing Rights Clinic.

“The first step was establishing our presence in the community and identifying the most pressing needs,” explains Alysson Snow, Professor of Practice for the Housing Rights Clinic. “There were people falling through the cracks who didn’t qualify for legal aid services. We are designed to assist those who are most in need and lack access to other legal services.”

Please click here if you are interested in viewing the past member highlights.