San Diego, CA

Founded by Sr. Ann Durst, the Casa Cornelia Law Center (CCLC) gives a voice to immigrant women and children who need, but cannot afford legal representation. In 2003, Casa Cornelia represented:

• 38 asylum seekers
• 34 abused immigrant women and children,
• Over 100 unaccompanied detained children.

CCLC's Founder

After almost 25 years as an educator, Sr. Ann felt called to the legal profession. In 1982, she earned her law degree from Georgetown University and in 1993, she opened CCLC.

The idea of opening a law center began when the Society asked Sr. Ann to explore the possibility of having a mission to serve those in need in America’s southwest.

Sr. Ann conducted a study along the Mexican-American border to determine the need for legal services among the immigrant community. She found that San Diego, the busiest land border crossing in the world, was the place to begin. And this is where the Law Center first opened. For more information, visit the Law Center's website, www.casacornelia.org.