In early February, a new Public Defender’s Office mobile clinic will travel across Contra Costa County bring access to immigration legal services directly to neighborhoods.
The initiative, launched by Stand Together Contra Costa and the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office, is designed to eliminate barriers to justice such as transportation difficulties, restrictive work schedules, childcare needs and language access, officials said.
Beyond legal advice on immigration and navigating the court system, the clinic functions as a bridge to essential resources including housing support, public benefits and clean slate services to help residents resolve issues before they become emergencies.
The program was unveiled during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at 1026 Escobar in Martinez. Following the initial launch, the mobile unit is scheduled to deploy across all five of the county’s supervisorial districts.
“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a deputy public defender in the CCPD and the director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”
Added Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”
The countywide effort was made possible through a collaboration between county departments and community partners, with specific support from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and in particular Supervisor Ken Carlson.