IE Latino Lawyers celebrates another year of free aid

The Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association has been providing legal aid services since 1978.

Approximately 90 people attended a celebration of the organization at the Victor Miceli Law Library in downtown Riverside on Dec. 4.

John Mendoza, IELLA chairperson, said that the organization was started by less than a dozen attorneys who wanted to get together.

“What they didn’t anticipate was that it was going to convert into legal aid for so many people through our community, Mendoza said.

The organization helped 644 families in 2023, and has assisted over 3,400 in total, according to their website. They registered with the state as a nonprofit in 1985.

They offer free legal clinics at Bordwell Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. the first, second and third Monday of every month, and a clinic at 838 Alta St., Redlands, at the same time every last Wednesday. They provide free legal advice, and assistance with filing legal documents related to record expungement, family law and protection from domestic violence.

Retired judge John Pacheco joined the organization shortly after passing his bar exam, he said at the celebration.

“(The founders) didn’t start the organization for accolades, or awards, or anything like that. They wanted to represent people who didn’t have money,” Pacheco said.

He stressed the work ethic at the start of IELLA.

“It didn’t matter how tired you are, didn’t matter what trials you had, come five o’clock, you would head to the clinic,” Pacheco said.

In those days, they would help about 50 people every night, he said. IELLA was able to continue through federal funding, but that funding is being cut now, he said, as part of a greater attack on the judiciary.

He introduced State Sen. Eloise Gomez Réyes (D-Grand Terrace), another early volunteer at IELLA and a former co-partner at their law firm.

“The license we have to practice law is not a status symbol. It is a duty to defend those in need,” Gomez Réyes said.

“Our community depends on us to help donate those hours,” she said. As far as funding goes: “It’s just a bump in the road. We will do what we need to to keep IELLA growing.”

Center: State Sen. Eloise Gomez Réyes.

The group awarded Wiley Certificates, named after former California Supreme Court Justice Wiley Manuel, to attorneys, paralegals and others who gave over 50 volunteer hours this year.

The organization honored Ernie Reguly of Riverside Legal Aid for his work regarding eviction protection. Reguly declined to give a speech, but thanked the organization for the honor.

IELLA also gave attorney Laura Robles the Legacy of Service Award for her constant work across the last 20 years.

“She has worked day and night for her IELLA. There is nothing Laura won’t do to protect our clients,” said Sylvia Quistorf, IELLA executive director.

Robles spent her acceptance speech reminding people that the organization provides services to people regardless of ethnicity.

“Our motto is, ‘How can we help you?’ Not, ‘Why would we help you,’” Robles said.