Women's Employment Rights Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions
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Training the next generation of legal advocates Photo by Cindy Charles

About Us

The Women's Employment Rights Clinic (WERC) of Golden Gate University School of Law, founded in 1993, believes that every worker has a right to decent wages and equal opportunity. Partnering with community based organizations, WERC advocates for the rights of low-wage and immigrant workers through direct service, impact litigation and public policy work. WERC also serves the dual purpose of training the next generation of ethical, competent, and socially responsible lawyers.

WERC operates an intake hotline staffed by law students, under the supervision of the clinic faculty and attorneys. The clinic advises, counsels and represents clients in a variety of employment-related matters including wage and hour violations, discrimination, workplace harassment, unemployment benefits, pregnancy and family/medical leave, and employment rights of the formerly incarcerated.

Law students work under the direct supervision of Clinic Director Marci Seville and Associate Professor and Clinical Staff Attorney Hina Shah. The staff also includes the Clinic Administrative Assistant, Fe Gonzalez.

Domestic Worker Campaign

AB 889, the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, will extend basic labor protections to domestic workers who are currently excluded under the law. WERC is supporting the California Domestic Workers Coalition in their fight to advance basic rights for all domestic workers. Currently, the bill has been held in the Senate Appropriations Committee until the next legislative session.

Elfenworks Center for Employment Justice

With a generous seed grant from the Elfenworks Foundation Golden Gate University School of Law established the Elfenworks Center for Employment Justice (ECEJ) at the Women's Employment Rights Clinic. ECEJ focuses on legal advocacy and education for domestic workers and caregivers. Through ECEJ, WERC students, staff, and faculty identify and focus work on key issues affecting immigrant working women.

In its initial phase, ECEJ is dedicated to improving the rights of household domestic workers and caregivers in residential facilities. ECEJ provides direct representation of workers, technical legal assistance to community-based organizations and legal advocates, and trainings for domestic workers and caregivers. Read article about ECEJ in Golden Gate Alumni Magazine.

The Women's Employment Rights Clinic is located at 40 Jessie Street, Suite 530 in the building across the alley from the main law school building.