Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Stephen M. Wagstaffe, District Attorney
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for Pro Bono Legal Services for Domestic Violence Survivors
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing the District Attorney, or designee, to execute a Measure K Grant Agreement with CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) for pro bono legal services for domestic violence survivors in San Mateo County, for a term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 funded by Measure K.
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BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence impacts thousands of San Mateo County residents each year and is a public health and safety concern. Domestic violence survivors in San Mateo County can face complex civil legal matters - including restraining orders, custody disputes, and housing instability - that require professional legal representation. However, many survivors lack the financial means to retain private counsel. Access to timely and trauma-informed legal services is critical to their safety and long-term stability.
CORA, in collaboration with Bay Area Legal Aid Society (BALA) and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC), operates the San Mateo County Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC), a coordinated tri-agency program that expands access to free legal representation for low-income domestic violence survivors. CORA serves as the lead agency and fiscal agent for this collaborative.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of this grant will formalize a one-year collaboration between the County of San Mateo and CORA to deliver pro bono legal services to domestic violence survivors. CORA, serving as the fiscal agent for this grant, will ensure that the three partner agencies will provide the following services:
• Legal consultation, document preparation, and civil legal representation for survivors
• Self-help assistance for survivors filing domestic violence restraining orders on a pro per basis
• Referral and matching of eligible clients to qualified pro bono attorneys through LASSMC
• Recruitment, training, mentoring, and coordination of volunteer attorneys
• Operation of legal clinics at accessible community locations throughout San Mateo County
CORA will subcontract with BALA and LASSMC as authorized subcontractors. Pro bono attorneys receive training, a comprehensive practice manual, and ongoing mentorship from experienced staff attorneys to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed representation.
A wavier of competitive procurement requirements has been approved for this agreement
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
|
|
Unduplicated clients served by the Pro Bono Collaborative |
100 |
|
Unduplicated Number of clients informed about the PBC |
80 |
|
Unduplicated number of clients referred to the PBC |
50 |
|
Unduplicated number of clients placed by the PBC |
30 |
|
Number of trainings presented and number of individuals trained |
2 trainings, 40 trained |
|
Number of pro bono cases mentored |
10 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The PBC expands equitable access to civil legal services for all domestic violence survivors across San Mateo County. Pro bono legal representation can help survivors secure safety, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 in Measure K funds. Funds will be included in the FY26-27 adopted budget.