2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Social Justice Collaborative

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Crime & Law, Ethnic & Immigrant Centers, Human Services, Immigration, Legal Services, Public Interest Law

Mission: Social justice collaborative provides legal services to low-income people in the united states. Social justice collaborative operates its primary office in oakland, california and is one of the only nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to represent immigrants in removal proceedings, with a special focus on clients who have criminal records and/or particularly complex cases, including civil rights matters and appeals.

Community Stories

68 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

JenVane Client Served

Rating: 5

05/05/2025

Estamos felices y agradecidos con Dios, por haber puesto al equipo de Social Justice en nuestro camino. Hicieron un trabajo maravilloso, siempre nos trataron con dignidad, amabilidad, todo el personal es tan eficiente en la realización de su trabajo, y al momento de representarnos nos transmitieron tanta confianza. Son personas maravillosas que realizan una labor altruista apoyándonos a todos los migrantes y nos sentimos felices de contar siempre con ustedes!

EmJay24 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2025

I volunteered with Social Justice Collaborative through work for Financial Services Pro Bono Day, when they hosted a Pro Bono Adjustment of Status Clinic. Our one-day clinic was able to help 9 families of asylees apply for permanent resident status. They provided training and made it easy for me to help others. It was a great experience, thanks.

ReedPatterson Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2025

Have worked with SJC quite a bit through my firm and they have always been professional and excellent to work with.

emsull75 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2025

SJC does an excellent job in providing mentoring and training during their immigration clinics. They make sure all volunteers are adeptly and efficiently able to assist clients with immigration forms. SJC is also incredibly organized and makes sure the clinic is fully staffed and ready to go in advance.

Kfilzer Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2025

Social Justice Collaborative runs a great program to allow volunteers to make a huge difference in clients' lives. Their model is excellent - with a short training program and no required prior experience, SJC gives volunteers the skills needed to serve clients. I wish there were more opportunities to engage in pro bono work of this nature. SJC makes volunteering accessible for lawyers and law students.

axelpanico Client Served

Rating: 5

03/15/2024

SJC has touched so many hearts, I couldn't be more grateful for the work that they do. Thank you SJC!

anasnz15 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/15/2024

Great people helping others with an outstanding customer service!

Andreaz Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/15/2024

I feel very happy to be working at SJC, not only because the work environment is filled with empathetic, hard-working, and helpful people, but also because the work that everyone does here helps and boosts others, which is indeed a generous cause.

isabellag Board Member

Rating: 5

03/14/2024

I am very happy to work at Social Justice Collaborative. It's a workplace with excellent communication, respect, and empathy. By working at the organization, I feel like I am contributing to finding social justice.

irmaedgar Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/14/2024

Great work from everyone in Social Justice Collaborative, there is always a fast response from everyone in any help that you need, always trying to help in the best way possible. There is always a very clear and open communication with Clients, PC and COworkers

FerSal93 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/08/2024

As the intake coordinator I can say that I'm proud to be part of Social Justice. It's an organization that has shown over the years that it cares about individuals and their cases with the highest attention to detail. It treats each person as an individual and takes care of the integrity of every person that gets to us.

marivi9712 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/07/2024

I am immensely grateful for the outstanding work of SJC. As the Pro Bono Coordinator, I've been able to witness their unwavering commitment to access to justice. It provides a lifeline for those who might otherwise be unable to access essential legal help. SJC's impact goes beyond legal representation; it offers hope and empowerment to vulnerable communities.

marinaurioste Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/07/2024

I have been working with Social Justice Collaborative for a little over a year, during this time I have had the chance to work with many clients and colleagues whose lives are better because of the work that SJC does, as a workplace, they ensure that their staff is well prepared and engaged with their mission and values. I am very proud to be a part of an organization that works so hard to make a difference in the life of those who deserve it the most.

bharden1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/07/2024

I have been a paralegal working on civil litigation cases for two years with the Social Justice Collaborative. Among my legal work, my work with SJC has by far been the most rewarding. I have had the opportunity to work on cases for low-income families who might not have been able to get representation for their claims without us working for them. We take cases that many firms would not because we see the importance in every case and especially when those cases involve low-income families being taken advantage of by corporations.

Suarez28 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/07/2024

Working as a legal assistant at the Social Justice Collaborative (SJC) has given me a front-row seat to the incredible difference this organization makes in people's lives. Every day, I see the dedication and compassion of our team as we navigate the complexities of the immigration system to advocate for those who are most vulnerable.

MarielaGJ Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

02/19/2024

SJC'S dedication, compassion, and expertise have truly made a difference in my life. I am forever grateful for their support and commitment to justice. Thank you, SJC, for everything you do!

jperez11 Volunteer

Rating: 1

12/19/2023

It is the worst place, they are inhumane, all the positive comments are written by the employees, just look at the dates, they do it to try to gain recognition and awards BE CAREFUL.

vmgr Advisor

Rating: 5

07/19/2023

SJC is an organization that helps migrants to have a good life in the United States, and I feel very lucky to be part of SJC!..etc

jerusalemh Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

SJC works tirelessly alongside and in service of clients who, for many reasons, face barriers to pursuing safety, stability and protection.

mars0593 Advisor

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

Social Justice Collaborative does a great job at keeping true to their mission statement and helping low-income individuals get the legal representation needed when they are facing removal proceedings.

RValdes Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

My experience volunteering at the immigration law firm was incredibly rewarding. From day one, I felt part of the team and was able to see firsthand the positive impact the firm has on the lives of people seeking immigration assistance.

During my time as a volunteer, I had the opportunity to help with a variety of tasks, from organizing documents to assisting with case preparation. I was also able to interact with clients and listen to their stories, which made me feel even more committed to the firm's mission.

What I enjoyed most about my volunteer experience was seeing how the work of the immigration law firm changes people's lives for the better. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this team and would definitely recommend anyone interested in immigration issues to join as a volunteer.

EmmM_25 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

All the workers are compromised to help everyone and are super receptive!

geovannybbbb Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/18/2023

This is one of the most serious nonprofit organizations when we talk about helping immigrants and that really take care of them offer Pro Bono clinics, free legal advice, interpreters services, everything in their hands to really help people and make them feel that their problems really care to other but by themselves

EdsonF Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/17/2023

If you care about people who have been victims of political, religious, gender-based, and other forms of persecution abroad, you can help them through donations to SJC. Furthermore, your contribution also supports the economic development of the US since most of these people are hard workers who play an important role in the country's economic output.

MarvinRosas Donor

Rating: 5

07/11/2023

I have followed the trajectory of this non-profit company and its work is praiseworthy, it takes a good group of people who put their hearts to help those who need it most, with your help we will reach a situation in which opportunities will be equal for all those who want to seek a better quality of life in the United States.

1

AJPB0206BJJ Client Served

Rating: 5

06/16/2023

I am happy to work with the best people behind SJC. They provide the best service and outmost attention with my case. They are very professional , supportive, knowledgeable and most importantly kindhearted people. I am grateful for all the support and help that I’ve received from SJC.

3

luisramos Client Served

Rating: 5

06/08/2023

They are the best organization, they have the best lawyer.

5

alejandra1990 Client Served

Rating: 1

05/06/2023

I do not recommend it, no answer, no customer service.

1

NORMA.B22 Client Served

Rating: 5

06/27/2022

Hola mi nombre es Norma Beatriz Vasquez A.Muy agradecida con Social Justice Collaborative por apoyarme en todo mi proceso de asilo y muy agradecida con ellos por aver ganado mi caso y el de mis 2 niños Jared y Gerson un testimonio muy real

2

hetselsjc Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/23/2022

I've been working at SJC for six months now. It's been challenging but also really rewarding and satisfactory. I don't interact as much in the legal cases but I can see how involved and compromised with the people we help. It's always rewarding knowing a case is won and the clients are at peace now.

1

RiveroUlises Donor

Rating: 5

05/23/2022

SJC is a great nonprofit full of people who truly care about its clients.

1

Mag2022 Board Member

Rating: 5

05/23/2022

I feel happy to work here. In the short time I´ve been working here, I realized the excellent work environment they have; I´ve learned a lot about immigration issues. I hope to be part of SJC for a long time.

emm_mz Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/23/2022

Amazing teamwork, there are a lot of people willing to help others and super responsive.

Joel_Lopez Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/23/2022

SJC is a nonprofit that really cares about the people they help, and their staff. The values of the company are deeply root in their staff DNA. Everybody works towards a bigger goal and gives their best to achieve it.

Marvin M Rosas G. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

05/16/2022

Organization with great human sense, very professional and dedicated to their work, helps many people to solve their immigration status, accompanies them throughout the process and provides enormous security for those who want to seek a better quality of life!

EmilioHernandezRuiz Client Served

Rating: 5

05/03/2022

Agradezco mucho ala organización de Social Justice por haberme ayudo a permanecer en este país me dieron una gran ayuda ami y a mi hermana espero que puedan seguir ayudando a varios jóvenes más y que puedan recibir de su gran ayuda y beneficios! .

Previous Stories

Client Served

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

SJC , Is a good place to find help and support for immigration .

Asilopolitico2022 Client Served

Rating: 5

05/03/2022

Hace muy buen trabajo esta organización que nos ayudó a ganar el asilo político a mi y mis hijos estoy muy agradecida por su gran trabajo muchas gracias

Regi V. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/04/2022

I'm extremely grateful and glad to have joined the team. SJC is full of caring people and skillfull professionals who go above and beyond to help everyone.

Sensei Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/04/2022

Very good lawyers in Oakland that can help you fight your immigration case

perezpablo Client Served

Rating: 5

11/10/2021

Hola mi nombre es Dionicio soy cliente de SJC
Solo quiero decir que muchísimas gracias a los abogados y a todo los que trabajan con ellos estoy absolutamente agradecido por todo el trabajo y compresión en todo el tiempo que duro mi proceso para legalizarme y la de mi familia
Social Justice Collaborative son profesionales porque tienen la capacidad de trabajar en casos de inmigración personalizado les recomiendo a quienes buscan un abogado experimentado en todo el sentido ellos son se enfoca en como debe de ser un abogado con experiencia y si llegan con ellos a que trabajan con usted estas en buenos manos gracias SJC

NashPasos Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/02/2021

I have been a pro-bono coordinator at SJC for months now. The work that SJC does has changed many lives including mine. As an insider, I have been witness of the hundreds of lives SJC has helped to improve. People that was afraid, is no longer worried of walking around their own homes. Kids that I have seen growing during their immigration processes, and how thankful people is with the Organization. But over all, the leaders that have made all this possible, are worth to mention, they shared their Values, and their willing to help is contagious. We all want to help, we all want to be part of the change, we all are SJC.

Jasmina V Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

SJC shows up every day to fight for the most underrepresented members of our community. They fight to protect their rights to due process and to give them a chance at realizing a safer and better future for themselves and their families. As a former refugee myself, I could not think of a more important organization to support in their daily effort to literally save people's lives by representing them through the unforgiving and challenging immigration system. All humans, regardless of their immigration status, deserve fair and equal treatment and SJC understands that assignment.

carolcmonsreal General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

The work of the Social Justice Collaborative is impressive! It is beautiful to see how the entire staff is committed to helping immigrants in need. During the pandemic they have managed to keep working at the same pace as before and continue to serve people seeking legal help.

SS_at_SJC Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2021

I joined SJC because of its immigration legal aid work, a cause that's important to me. The operational team really brings the mission of the organization alive, from taking on cases of unaccompanied minors to creating avenues for dialogue about vulnerable and unrepresented populations. This year's virtual gala featuring keynote speaker Jose Antonio Vargas opened up an incredible conversation about the issues to highlight to be effective immigration advocates.

mobileUser706102 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

Social Justice Collaborative helps people at the most important junctures of their lives - it is an honor to partner with them. Efficient and easy to work with.

lucia_campbell Board Member

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

SJC is an incredible organization that is living its mission of building a more inclusive society day after day. From its leadership team to its interns, the SJC team has gone above and beyond to serve their clients in their greatest moments of need during the pandemic. This organization is uniquely creative, talented, and committed and deserves all the accolades in its field.

mobileUser706036 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

SJC has done a terrific job providing services comprehensively and creatively during the pandemic. I'm so impressed by the entire organizations commitment to serving its clients.

Mauricio Amador H. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

They are the most caring persons in the world. They will do anything in their power to help you. They will go above and beyond to be there for people in need. I am so lucky for having crossed paths with them

enriquejimenez Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

SJC has been improving every day in order to provide help, advisory and legal assistance to immigrants who seek for a better life in the United States.
I feel honored for being part of this amazing team of professional and caring people.
Way to go, SJC!

Francisco Vazquez I. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/10/2021

Great place to find a lawyer for your immigration case if you speak Mam

Paola03 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/01/2021

The best non-profit ever, and the most transparent too, they really help immigrants thrive.

FranciscoVazquez Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/01/2021

I love SJC, great place to find help for your immigration case, and also a great place to work

JyaePark Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/01/2014

I am extremely grateful that SJC has given me the opportunities to work for them, especially considering that I am only a first year at Cal. But because of the responsibilities they gave me and the lessons they taught me both on legal matters and social matters, I have gained so much knowledge and experience during my time here this semester. Gautam and Emily are some of the most dedicated people I have ever met, and their passion for helping low income immigrants who cannot afford much yet desperately need the assistance is truly admirable. I really appreciated the fact that even though they are both extremely busy, they took the time to explain many of the concepts and stories of the clients we work with.

trrsjhnn Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/14/2014

I have been interning for SJC for a couple of months now. Throughout my time here I have been able to have meaningful interactions with clients and learn about immigration law. The attorneys, Emily and Gautam, are very passionate about their work and strive to do whatever they can to help clients out. They are very attentive to the needs of their clients and allow interns to be involved with the cases in order to gain first-hand experience. SJC's mission, provide high-quality legal services to low income communities in the Bay Area, is great and they follow it to the core benefitting members of the community. I am in deep awe for their commitment to social justice. I definitely could not have asked for a better intern experience.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/14/2013

I started interning for SJC a couple months ago and I have learned so much already in regards to immigration law. The attorneys, Emily and Gautam, are very passionate about their work and strive to do whatever they can to help clients out. They are very attentive to the needs of their clients and allow interns to be involved with the cases and gain first-hand experience. I think that the mission of SJC (provide high-quality legal services to low income communities in the Bay Area) is great and they follow it to the core. As an intern I am not afraid to approach Emily or Gautam with any questions I might have about an assignment; they are very approachable and considerate of interns. Overall, I am having a great experience interning at SJC.

scervantes91 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/10/2014

As a student intern with SJC, I could not have asked for a better experience to bring my college undergraduate career full circle. I found myself wanting to make positive change in local communities and in the lives of those in need, and SJC gave me a means with which to fulfill my desires. The satisfaction of helping immigrants through their struggles towards legal residence in the United States is what has made my time here worthwhile, and the experience I have gained will go a long way towards starting my own career.
The attorneys, Emily and Gautam, provide selfless service at reasonable costs to a wide spectrum of clients who all have one thing in common, they are trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Kristopher Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/10/2014

As a law clerk for the Social Justice Collaborative (SJC), I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with two of the kindest, most professional attorneys working within Immigration Law. Emily and Gautam both exemplify all of the qualities necessary to serve clients needs. The experience and opportunity I have received have significantly contributed to my skills while in Law School. It is amazing that I have had the opportunity to be directly involved in the lives of others. SJC has kept families together amidst the challenging, confusing and archaic structure of immigration law.

Katie81 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/20/2013

I was an undergraduate intern at Social Justice Collaborative during the summer months, and in that time I learned so much under Emily and Gautam. They are extremely passionate about the work they do and will always go the extra mile for their clients. They work tirelessly and diligently. I have the utmost respect for both attorneys and would strongly recommend them to anybody needing help with immigration law.

alamrinatsolana Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2013

This is one of the most unique organizations in the country. They represent with compassion and integrity at a cost that is most affordable to the people/demographics that most need this kind of support. A practical and realistic organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of the people.

Melissa Atienza Board Member

Rating: 5

10/16/2013

Social Justice Collaborative does not only aim to bring families together but targets to help people in every way they can. I am blessed and grateful to be a part of the team and be of service to the public. It is very inspiring to see people's faces light up when they learn about SJC. The hope I see in their eyes reassures me of a better future. SJC creates an effective team both with its clients and collaborators in attaining that brighter future.

Lorena2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/15/2013

I have been interning at social justice collaborative for a couple of months and it is a great hands on experience. As a law school student it can be difficult to acquire experience that is beyond clerical but at social justice collaborative I have gained valuable experience that has broaden my knowledge in immigration law. This is a great program not only for law students but also for the community as well.

julanday Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/14/2013

Social Justice Collaborative has been a great place to learn about immigration law and the ins and outs of running a law practice. Gautam and Emily are very approachable and attentive to the needs of the staff and the clients. In only a couple of months, I've had a lot of hands-on experience with preparing documents and legal research. However, the biggest highlight by far is the amount of client interaction I've had at this internship. I realize how much my work can have an impact on some one's life and I'm very happy to be a part of this organization.

Jacob Waschak Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2013

The attorneys at the Social Justice Collaborative are passionate and helpful. As an intern, I had a great experience learning about the processes of immigration proceedings as well as how to carry out day-to-day administrative tasks in a law firm. Overall, Emily and Gautam worked diligently and were very cordial, helpful, and patient teachers. I recommend the Social Justice Collaborative to anyone.

Cesar Diaz-Cedano Board Member

Rating: 5

10/10/2013

This is an organization that truly believes in helping others and I'm very proud of being part of it. Since the very first moment I knew it was a great project. Knowledge, heart and lots of energy are consistently moving this great organization towards a bigger and better inclusive society. Great job Attorneys!

Gautam Jagannath Board Member

Rating: 5

07/20/2013

SJC believes in providing high-quality legal services to low-income communities in the Bay Area. Too often, immigrants are taken advantage of by unscrupulous attorneys who either are "notarios" or hacks or otherwise are good but charge so much that clients have to mortgage their lives for eternity. SJC works closely with clients to ensure that they are getting treated like family members. SJC also works closely with other organizations to provide wrap-around services for clients. SJC believes that by serving families, one at a time, major change can be made. SJC also educates the public in aspects of law and policy that are pertinent to its mission.

Emily Abraham Board Member

Rating: 5

07/20/2013

Social Justice Collaborative has a great vision for providing new and innovative legal services to low income people. At SJC we provide personalized attention and great service at a level that private attorneys strive to do.

SJC believes that all individuals have a right to a defense, no matter their income or resources. Defense services should be affordable for everyone.

1

alamrin General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/23/2013

Great vision and cause. Brilliant attorneys with strong commitment to social justice.

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