Nelson Mullins is proud to announce that Partner Rich Otera has been recognized by the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) for his outstanding pro bono legal work in California. Rich is one of only six recipients of the 2024 Awards of Merit in the volunteer or board member category, a distinction granted to those who have shown exemplary dedication to justice within the California legal aid community during the past year.
Rich was honored at a special ceremony at this year’s Pathways to Justice conference in San Francisco on Oct. 30.
The award recognizes Rich's significant contributions to advancing Community Legal Aid SoCal’s (CLA SoCal) mission to serve underrepresented communities in Southeast Los Angeles County through his board work. He spearheaded efforts to launch the organization’s expungement clinic, helping low-income clients obtain employment and higher paying positions through record sealings. At the height of the pandemic, he continued providing critical assistance at several defense clinics, representing clients in eviction proceedings, ultimately reducing the number of evictions and default judgements against low-income tenants. Additionally, he initiated a cy pres case for support, increasing potential funding opportunities by raising awareness among plaintiff attorneys and third-party administrators about class action settlements. Rich also actively serves on CLA SoCal’s Advocacy Advisory Council, providing strategic insights on potential litigations.
In addition to this recognition, Rich received two other awards last year including “Pro Bono Partner of the Year” from CLA SoCal, where he has been a board member since 2021. He and the firm also received the “Pro Bono Services Award” from the Legal Services Corporation, which recognized both Rich’s personal contributions to the board of CLA SoCal and the firm’s commitment to the shrinking the justice gap through eviction defense and expungement clinics.
Rich’s Award of Merit comes on the heels of Pro Bono Month, celebrated each October to recognize and uplift the importance of volunteer legal services in advancing access to justice.
Original source can be found here.