Disaster Relief Clinic at Pepperdine Caruso Law Receives Generous Gifts to Support Wildfire Survivors in Los Angeles
MALIBU, California – Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Disaster Relief Clinic has received several generous gifts to further its mission of providing critical legal assistance to communities affected by disasters, including the recent Los Angeles fires. The funding, contributed by the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), Seed the Dream Foundation, California Community Foundation, Susan Winfield, and Stephen Grynberg, will support the clinic’s operations for the next year.
To address the ongoing challenges faced by disaster survivors in Los Angeles, the clinic hosted a series of legal clinics in Malibu and Pasadena, providing essential legal assistance to those affected. Moving forward, the clinic plans to continue hosting legal clinics in various locations, ensuring continued access to legal assistance for those impacted by disasters. This initiative is part of the Disaster Relief Clinic’s broader mission to expand access to justice and help individuals navigate the complexities of disaster recovery.
“We are grateful for this generous, creative support, which will enable us to continue and expand pro bono legal services for our communities in the months ahead,” said Jeff Baker, associate dean of clinical education and global programs. “The road is long, but together, we can help our neighbors recover and rebuild.”
The Los Angeles Football Club, a leading force in the community, is dedicated to using the power of sports to drive meaningful social change. “Serving Los Angeles as a force for good is a pillar of our club,” said LAFC Copresident and CBO Larry Freedman. “With so many in our community directly impacted by this disaster, it is our mission to make a difference. We are thankful to be able to partner with the Disaster Relief Clinic at Pepperdine to provide essential legal support to community members throughout the recovery effort.”
The Seed the Dream Foundation, an impact-driven family foundation addressing critical issues in communities across the U.S. and Israel, is also a key contributor to this initiative. In a joint statement, cofounders Marcy Gringlas and Joel K. Greenberg said, “We are proud to support the Disaster Relief Clinic in its efforts to provide legal assistance during a time of tremendous hardship for so many Angelenos in the wake of these devastating wildfires. This initiative reflects our foundation’s commitment to addressing urgent needs while fostering long-term recovery. By providing legal assistance, we hope to empower individuals to navigate the challenges they face with the resources they need and deserve.”
The California Community Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in Los Angeles County and addressing the root causes of the region’s most pressing issues, is also a key partner in this effort. “The devastating impact of wildfires on Los Angeles County communities demands a coordinated and compassionate response,” said President & Chief Executive Officer Miguel Santana. “We are proud to support Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic's vital work through this grant from our Wildfire Recovery Fund. Their dedication to helping those affected by these disasters exemplifies the resilient spirit of Los Angeles County. As we continue to address the ongoing needs of our communities, partnerships like these are essential to building a stronger, more prepared region.”
Additional support comes from Susan Winfield and Stephen Grynberg.
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Disaster Relief Clinic provides free legal assistance to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters, helping them navigate complex recovery processes, insurance claims, and housing disputes. This latest investment in the clinic will bolster its ability to serve those in need while fostering meaningful partnerships that amplify its reach.
For more information on the Disaster Relief Clinic and its work, visit law.pepperdine.edu/experiential-learning/clinical-education/clinics/disaster-relief-clinic.
About Disaster Relief Clinic
The Disaster Relief Clinic and its associate pro bono programs seek to close the justice gap for those affected by disasters by providing a swift and continuing response to disasters as legal needs transition from the immediate need for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and insurance to transitioning to recovery and rebuilding. For the 2025 Los Angeles Fires, the Disaster Relief Clinic is providing community education, attorney training, and pro bono legal services.
About Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law offers a top-ranked legal education with nationally recognized degree programs committed to the highest principles of professional, ethical, and societal responsibility. With an emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, faculty accessibility, global justice, and professional formation, Pepperdine Caruso Law offers a juris doctor degree, two master’s degrees, six joint-degree programs, nine LLM degrees, and five certificate programs. The law school houses 10 clinics and five institutes, including the globally recognized Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Follow the Caruso School of Law on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational enterprise, the University prepares approximately 9,500 scholars for lives of purpose, service, and leadership across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the College of Health Science; and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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