Released on = June 25, 2007, 12:39 pm

Press Release Author = Shana Valla

Industry = Law

Press Release Summary = Public Interest Clearinghouse, statewide legal services
organization, taps Julia R. Wilson, Director of Legal Aid Association of California,
as new Executive Director

Press Release Body = SAN FRANCISCO (June 25, 2007) - The Public Interest
Clearinghouse, a statewide nonprofit working with all segments of the legal
community to meet the legal needs of low-income Californians, has selected Julia R.
Wilson as its next Executive Director, effective today.
Wilson was named to lead the Clearinghouse and its programs working with the over
100 legal services nonprofits around the state that provide vital legal assistance
to the indigent.

In her new capacity, Wilson will be responsible for promoting the effective delivery
network of legal services around the state, as well as leadership on issues
involving pro bono involvement by the private bar, support for law students engaged
in pro bono and public service commitments, and the innovative use of technology to
provide resources and referrals to low-income Californians with legal needs.
Wilson replaces Stephanie Choy, who after eight years leading the Public Interest
Clearinghouse has been appointed by the State Bar of California to lead its Legal
Services Trust Fund Program.

"Julia's energy and commitment to ensuring that low-income residents have access to
the legal system will greatly aid the Public Interest Clearinghouse in carrying out
its mission across the state," said Board Director Jack Londen, partner at Morrison
& Foerster LLP. "As Director of LAAC, she has energized the legal services
community, dramatically expanded available resources, and set an example of
inspired leadership."

"I am honored and humbled to be selected by the members of the Board to follow in
Stephanie's footsteps and lead this dynamic and important organization," said
Wilson. "The Public Interest Clearinghouse ensures the overall efficiency and
effectiveness of the statewide legal services delivery system, engaging law
students, the courts, the State Bar, the private bar, and technology to meet the
legal needs of California's low-income and underserved communities." Wilson will
also continue her work directing the Legal Aid Association of California, which
shares many common goals with the Clearinghouse.

Prior to joining LAAC as Director in 2005, Wilson was Directing Attorney and Pro
Bono Coordinator at the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, responsible for
developing the Society's successful pro bono program and developing connections with
law firms around the state. She began her legal career at Legal Aid of San Mateo
with a prestigious Equal Justice Works post-graduate fellowship, spending two years
working at the cutting edge intersection of welfare reform and the rights of
individuals with disabilities.

Wilson also serves on the State Bar of California's Standing Committee on the
Delivery of Legal Services, as well as the Funding Committee and Pro Bono Task Force
of the California Commission on Access to Justice. She holds a bachelor's degree,
summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, and graduated with
distinction from Stanford Law School in 1998.

About Public Interest Clearinghouse
Founded in 1979, the Public Interest Clearinghouse works to expand the capacity of
the legal community to provide vital legal services to low-income, disabled, and
elderly Californians around the state. With a staff of 11, the Clearinghouse runs
the statewide Pro Bono Project for law students, the Public Interest Law Project,
the public statewide resource and referral website on legal issues
(www.LawHelpCalifornia.org) and multiple other programs addressing the needs of the
100 legal services nonprofits around the state.

About Legal Aid Association of California
Based in San Francisco, the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) is a
statewide membership organization of nonprofit corporations that offer vital legal
services to low-income Californians. LAAC provides support to the statewide legal
services system to ensure the most effective and efficient network
possible. Its services to members include relevant and affordable training,
statewide coordination efforts, innovative uses of technology, and advocacy for
legal services programs, including the need for additional funding.
# # # Information: Contact Shana Valla
415-834-0100 x 309


Web Site = http://www.pic.org

Contact Details = Shana Valla
Public Interest Clearinghouse
47 Kearny Street, Suite 705
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-834-0100 x 309