Bet Tzedek Legal Services

As a recognized nonprofit force, Bet Tzedek provides free legal services, education and outreach, policy advocacy, and impact litigation. We are united in our mission to create equitable access to justice for all communities. Visit?https://bettzedek.org?to learn more.?

Meet Eden Luna (they/she), Chair of Los Angeles's Transgender Advisory Council and a champion for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and migrant communities. As a Latine transfeminine nonbinary person whose work centers on economic justice, gender justice, and migrant justice, Luna is uniquely qualified to raise awareness about the issues facing the queer community today. While California has long acted as a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ people, it remains necessary that we continue advocating and fighting for the rights and overall safety of this important community. Eden empowers communities by providing Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training to corporations, local small businesses, city governments, and school districts. Their work shifts policies and attitudes to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people. Thank you, Eden, for your incredible work! #HispanicHeritageMonth How can businesses, local governments, and schools better support LGBTQIA+ and migrant communities? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how to make spaces more inclusive!

#DidYouKnow that every year, Hispanic Heritage Month revolves around a different theme? 2024's theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” was submitted by Yvette Delgado, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Delgado says this theme “...recognizes all the Hispanics/Latinos who have been trailblazers and game changers, paving the way for future generations.” We’re thrilled to join in and give thanks to all those who came before us! #HispanicHeritageMonth Who are some Hispanic or Latino pioneers who have inspired you? Let us know in the comments below!

According to the Annual Business Survey, Hispanics and Latinos own only 11% of all California businesses despite making up 38% of the state’s workforce. While Latino-owned businesses have steadily increased over the years, they often face harsh challenges, such as access to capital. At Bet Tzedek, we help small businesses — especially the ones that need it the most — thrive. Here are some of our favorite local Latino and Hispanic-owned businesses, thoughtfully curated by our Bet Tzedek staff! Celebrate and strengthen our community by supporting these businesses. What are some of your go-to Hispanic or Latino-owned businesses in Los Angeles? Share in the comments! See more here: https://lnkd.in/e2FXdHQA #HispanicHeritageMonth

September's issue of "BT Now," Bet Tzedek Legal Services' monthly news digest, is out! We celebrate #HispanicHeritageMonth in our opening blurb and share the new WorkingNation documentary, "The?True Cost of a Car Wash (Latino Workers and Wage Theft)." The digest highlights our attorneys Yvonne Medrano and Nadia Segura in the news, in KQED (discussing wage theft) and Capital & Main (discussing SB 1103), respectively. SB 1103 has advanced to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature, and we do a CTA for this, as well as a pro bono CTA. We then recognize many of our incredible staff who help the underserved every day, including attorneys Emily Chong and Jessica Marsella who delivered testimony to reduce medical debt; Kim Selfon, our Medi-Cal Policy Advocate, who will be receiving CANHR's 'Legal Advocate of the Year' Award; and our ERP team, slated to receive Thai Community Development Center's?Social Impact Award?at their upcoming 30th anniversary celebration. Also, ICYMI, "Bet Tzedek is very demure, very cutesy," and we have an IG reel to prove it. Check all of this out in the BT Now below!

In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. During her time as a Supreme Court Justice, Sotomayor has steadfastly advocated for the protection of affirmative action programs. In her 58-page dissent in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, she argued against the decision that ruled it constitutional to prohibit state universities from considering race in admission decisions. We, at Bet Tzedek, are grateful for both Justice Sotomayor’s dedication to equity and her contributions to justice and progress for all. #HispanicHeritageMonth How do you think the diversity of the Supreme Court Justices plays a role in how they reach decisions on crucial issues and cases? Share your thoughts on the importance of diversity in the court.

After five years of litigation, JOP v. DHS, a national class action lawsuit protecting the rights of unaccompanied children to asylum, has settled. I remember the early conversations about filing this lawsuit, and trying to stop a policy that would strip thousands of immigrant children and youth of their rights under the TVPRA. The court enjoined the policy in 2019, and has granted preliminary approval of a settlement which offers significant protections and benefits. It was five years well spent! If you represent asylum seekers, please follow along for developments here:?https://lnkd.in/gMdt7QKy

Congratulations to Michelle Williams, Bet Tzedek's former VP of Legal Programs! ?? She was confirmed as a federal judge by the U.S. Senate last Wednesday. Read more about her career and accomplishments in this article, which mentions her work with Bet Tzedek!

Are you or someone you know facing work-related violations and unsure of your rights? What if a legal expert could help you navigate these issues, free of charge? Bet Tzedek offers free weekly virtual clinics that cover situations like wrongful termination, unpaid wages, denied breaks, workplace harassment, discrimination, and/or threats of deportation from employers. Our Employment Rights Project is here to guide you through actionable steps forward, help you navigate complex legal issues, and defend your rights. Sign up for our Workers’ Rights Virtual Clinic, held every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. To request an appointment, leave a voicemail at 323-648-4767. Advanced registration is required. All services are FREE of charge. Our next clinic: https://lnkd.in/eHZ9YbS3

Alex Padilla's rise in politics has been inspiring to witness. Before he replaced Kamala Harris’ seat in the United States Senate to become the first Latino Senator of California, he broke barriers as the first Latino and youngest person elected to the L.A. City Council, securing the most votes of any Latino-elected official in the U.S. As the proud son of working-class Mexican immigrants, he has dedicated his life to protecting working-class families and fighting for immigrant rights. We admire Padilla’s passion as he continues to fight for democracy, immigration reform, environmental protection, healthcare access, and working families. #HispanicHeritageMonth