History

For more than 40 years, OneJustice has been working to expand legal help for Californians in need.

In 1979, law students from Hastings founded the Public Interest Clearinghouse in response to a growing need to support those interested in using their legal skills in the nonprofit or government sectors. In its early years, the Clearinghouse worked in collaboration with law schools to provide law students with information, advice, career counseling and support.

At the same time, there were a growing number of nonprofits dedicated to providing free legal help to low-income and other underserved Californians. As the network of nonprofits grew, the Clearinghouse began to respond to their needs for consulting and advice on core nonprofit issues, including fundraising and the effective use of new technologies like computers and email. Over time, the Clearinghouse also took on a key strategic planning role for the state – supporting the entire legal community in California to come together to talk about how to best provide legal help to Californians in need.

In 2010, the Board of Directors determined that the organization needed a new name to better communicate the value of its work. The Board chose the name OneJustice, symbolizing a commitment to one justice system that works equally for all.

OneJustice was founded on a belief that lawyers and law students could be heroes by using their skills to bring equal justice to Californians in need. OneJustice continues to build a network of social justice champions, working with law schools and students, the private sector, and legal services nonprofits to help Californians in need.

We invite you to join us and build one justice system that works equally for all.