One of the most important aspects of New Beginnings Law Center is their constant community out reach. They are active in helping the homeless, the immigrant, the struggling working class and anyone who needs assistance in cleaning up their prior criminal records. The work they do gives people a chance to succeed, find better jobs and housing and in some cases remain in this country where the client has lived and worked for most of their lives.
This organization is lead by a true believer in social justice. Her focus has always been on seeing the whole person and helping that person realize their full potential by removing a significant barrier to upward mobility. Her dedication and unfailing optimism brings hope to many individuals and improves lives on a daily basis.
New Beginnings Law Center is a community asset where people are making a difference in the lives of others every single day.
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New Beginnings Law Center provides excellent legal services for clients who need post conviction representation. Because NBLC focuses on helping clients clear their criminal records NBLC provides efficient and compassionate representation to individuals who because of past convictions struggle to find quality jobs and access educational opportunities. NBLC recognizes that many people with criminal records have been completely rehabilitated but are held back from making meaningful progress in their lives because the old convictions act as a barrier to getting good jobs and into training programs. Employers see the old conviction and immediately reject the job seeker.
NBLC provides legal service at a discounted rate so that persons who cannot afford to hire an attorney in our community are able to access our courts.
NBLC researches all records to make sure the relief sought is available and files appropriate documents in Courts throughout the Bay Area. NBLC makes court appearances as necessary. In some cases where objections are filed by District Attorney Offices NBLC vigorously advocates for the clients and does not rest until the relief is granted or all appellate options have been exhausted. NBLC won, and has a published appeal, in California following an erroneous denial of a motion to dismiss.
In addition to post conviction expungements and reductions NBLC works with community organizations to help those who need additional services such as mental health care, homeless work programs, housing support, immigration relief and job placement.
NBLC is an asset to our community. I confidently refer clients in need of post conviction relief to NBLC.
Often times I see five star ratings and wonder do they really deserve it. NBLC is the real deal. Elissa Lasserre is not just a top notch lawyer but her commitment to the people she services is amazing. Not only does this service allow its clients an opportunity to clear up some of the wreckage of their past, it also allows dreams to come true. I say this as I contemplate my experience of seeing this service and Elissa in action. As the first client of NBLC my journey is now coming to an end. Elissa has been my champion with the judicial system, fighting and bringing me closer to my dream of "completion". This is a wonderful agency with an awesome lawyer at the helm. Thank you Elissa for all you do....
I have had the privilege of knowing Elissa Lasserre for 40 years. Her commitment and dedication to her profession is matched only by her commitment and dedication to her family and our lifelong friendship. In today's world of having elected officials drag their feet on justice reforms and related issues, it is refreshing to have someone willing to tackle these issues head on to help people who cannot wait and need help now. I was proud to watch her vision for New Beginnings unfold, and am even more proud to support her important mission.
I helped out with the start of New Beginnings because its issue--record expungement possibilities for those who have served their time for criminal acts--is so valuable. While the founder, Elissa Lasserre, is meticulous, very heartfelt, and energetic, she didn't know nonprofits because she's been an excellent criminal defense lawyer for years. So it was easy to make the decision to work with her and lend my 30-year expertise in the field. I became President of the board to further support her.
Her success is outstanding. She slowly learned the nonprofit management field and began to make the connections needed in the community to serve more people, generally a low income crowd. She's an excellent leader and inspiring. She learns well from her mistakes and is always open to help. Her learning curve has now gathered more good people around her, and I feel privileged to be a part of this necessary community asset.
Ellissa C. lasserre from New Beginnings has been Great ! From the Start to the Very End ! She did and does everything she promises ! I'm going to referr this law firm to my friends ! Have a new beginning ! Thanks to -
NEW BEGINNINGS !
As a proud Board Member going into my third year... the focus and dedication we have to educate our clients and donors on our "clean slate program" as well as offering classes in EI (emotional intelligence/mindful awareness training) reduce stress and anxiety, so our clients can focus on being an energized, contributing member of our communities. This kind of sustainability, feels good and changes lives. Cheers to the "good work"-
