Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc.

06/23/2026

Our next spotlight is for Edward Cisneros, a law student at Chapman University Fowler School of Law and 2026 ICLS Summer Law Clerk!

As a Riverside native, Edward recognizes the disparities that draw underserved members of his community further and further away from access to justice. In recognition of that need, he is working towards a career that will enable him to provide legal services to his friends and neighbors and help those who nurtured him.

Inspired by ICLS's diverse work in the region, Edward said "Riverside and San Bernardino County are also my home, with much of my family living in both counties, so I am proud to have the opportunity to assist ICLS in their work addressing the problems of a community I call home."

When he's not studying, Edward enjoys playing the guitar, weightlifting, and watching baseball.

Welcome to the ICLS team, Edward!

06/22/2026

Medical assistance plans explained in one minute — what is the "Share of Cost" under Medi-Cal? For California residents who are over-income and do not qualify for the standard financial Medi-Cal program, there is the Share of Cost Program that works like a monthly deductible.

Learn more from our experts when you tune into our Community Legal Education Series on YouTube NOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSZZxDSNyLs&list=PL5MKTEpuGO5P6WNKi8TPHVwVNk6JBZAua&index=16

06/20/2026

NOTE: Our offices will be CLOSED today, June 19, 2026, for Juneteenth.

We will re-open on Monday, June 22, 2026.

06/18/2026

Legal aid is a calling that not only serves clients in need, but also builds connections that last a lifetime.

Earlier this month, ICLS Executive Director, Tessie Solorzano, teamed up with longtime ICLS supporter and former board member, Barbara Purvis, to present on ICLS's senior legal services. During her presentation at the Janet Goeske Senior Center, Tessie provided information and legal resources related to estate planning, which helps seniors protect their wishes and age with dignity.

We are deeply grateful to Barbara for her continued efforts to serve our community and for her dedication to our organization. It's because of people like her that our work is possible.

Thank you to the Janet Goeske Senior Center and the local AARP Chapter for hosting us, as well!

06/17/2026

In our third week into our Summer Law Clerk Program, we have the great privilege to spotlight University of San Francisco School of Law's second-year rising star, Julia Baroi!

Focused on expanding legal aid services for underserved populations both academically and professionally, Julia now concentrates her legal interests on employment, housing, and labor law.

Having begun her legal career at the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers' Association before enrolling in law school, becoming a law clerk at ICLS — an organization devoted to serving the communities that shaped her — felt like a natural progression for Julia.

"ICLS consistently expands resources to fit the needs of the community, showing how adaptability is essential to making true impact," said Julia. "It is truly inspiring to see the residents of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties receive tailored resources."

Outside of school and work, Julia prioritizes reading novels, cooking, and making arts and crafts with her family. Welcome to ours, Julia!

06/16/2026

As conversations continue across the country ahead of the Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship, we're continuing our "The Meaning of Citizenship" campaign with Episode Three: First-Generation Voices. We asked first-generation law students, attorneys, and our Executive Director, Tessie Solorzano, to share stories about family, sacrifice, identity, and opportunity.

📢 Did you know that Inland Southern California is home to more than 33,300 US-born immigrant children?

Help us stand with our communities with a gift to support legal services for families and individuals in crisis: https://bit.ly/birthright26

06/15/2026

Last week, our Executive Director, Tessie Solorzano, attended and presented at this year's National Innovative Communities Conference hosted by Reach Out, along with staff from our health and public benefits practice groups.

This year’s conference theme, TRUST, reflects a broader commitment to strengthening confidence in community-led solutions, transparent systems, and collaborative leadership across the Inland Empire. At a time when trust has been challenged in many spaces, this event brought together community leaders to build stronger partnerships, more effective systems, and healthier, more resilient communities.

Thank you so much to everyone at Reach Out for bringing us together for these important conversations alongside our partners at TruEvolution Inc., IEHP Foundation, and TODEC Legal Center. 💡❤️

06/11/2026

On Friday, May 15, we partnered with the Transgender Health & Wellness Center and teamed up with 21 volunteer attorneys from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP for a Record Sealing Clinic to help TGI folx protect their private information.

Taking time out of their retreat in Palm Desert, our volunteers chose advocacy over other activities to grant our clients free, culturally competent legal services - wow!

We recognize how incredibly fortunate we are to have such altruistic community partners and would like to send an immense thank you to our wonderful volunteers and staff involved, to the Trans Health & Wellness Center, and to Molina's One Stop Help Center in Indio for providing the space.

06/10/2026

Our ICLS Mentorship Program at ICLS brings together staff attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals to learn from one another and develop professionally – in an environment catered to their growth and connection.

Last week, our cohort of advocates came together for a mid-program luncheon, where they reflected and connected over career goals, development, and pathways to success. Mentorship is an important part of personal and career development, and we're proud to create space for that within our organization.

06/10/2026