outreach

CASD in the Community

• Mock Trial Program

• Holiday Toy Drive
   
• Suit Drive

• Support of St. Vincent de Paul Villages and children's programs
   
• Educating the Public
   
• Assisting Victims of the 2003 Fires Free of Charge
   
• Helping Victims of Sept. 11th --Trial Lawyers Care

Mock Trial Program

In March of 2011, the fifth grade classes of Porter Elementary School conducted two mock trials, the culmination of a six-week program held at the school by members of the CASD Community Outreach Committee. The case of State v. Billy Buckles, which focuses on the serious issue of bullying, was developed by the San Diego City Attorney's Office. A slideshow of the mock trials is included below.

Holiday Toy Drive

In 2010, CASD members gathered hundreds of toys for children living in foster homes so they could each have something special for the holiday season.

Suit Drive

Throughout 2010, CASD members donated their gently used suits. Collection boxes were placed at the entrance to each CASD educational program. The suits were, in turn, donated to St. Vincent de Paul Villages to provide homeless adults with interview suits.

St. Vincent de Paul Villages

For the last 26 years, CASD has presented the Red Boudreau Trial Lawyers Dinner to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Villages.   The event now co-sponsored by CASD, the American Board of Trial Advocates, Association of Business Trial Lawyers-San Diego, and the San Diego Defense Lawyers has raised about $1,000,000 for St. Vincent de Paul Villages and their children's programs.  These donations helped to build the Toussaint Teen Center and support other important programs for children.   Click here for more information about St. Vincent de Paul Villages.

Educating the Public

CASD presents programs and information to assist the public in protecting their rights in a number of situations. 

Assisting Victims of the 2003 Fires

CASD, along with about a dozen other legal organizations in the area, quickly mobilized to form a coalition of organizations to provide free legal assistance to fire victims.  As disaster relief centers were opened, they were staffed with lawyers who had volunteered their time.  At the same time a toll-free 800# was set up to handle calls for more attorney assistance.  So far over 150 fire victims have been referred to attorneys to receive free legal services.  And when other fire victims run into questions or problems and turn to us for help, we will be there to help them too. 

Assisting Victims of September 11th--
Trial Lawyers Care

As part of the Trial Lawyers Care program, CASD members provide their expertise and resources free of charge to the families of victims of September 11th.  Flying to New York and paying many of the expenses themselves, they represent these families in their claims to the federal compensation fund established by Congress.