Laura Riley, Director
Laura is an academic administrator and social justice attorney with experience in veterans law, disability, and women’s rights. Prior to joining the Clinical Program, she was associate professor of lawyering skills and assistant director of academic success at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. There she developed and co-taught a Veterans Legal Practicum and co-chaired the DEI Faculty Committee. She has also worked as managing attorney for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, project director of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, staff attorney for California Women’s Law Center, staff attorney for Disability Rights Legal Center, and a clerk for the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Laura earned her B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and her J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She published a book in 2023, Homeless Advocacy, from Carolina Academic Press and serves as a liaison to the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty.
Veronica Avila, Office Administrator
An experienced administrative professional, Veronica has worked at a public relations agency in Oakland, providing communications support to nonprofits and local government agencies. She also worked as an immigration paralegal and has volunteered at housing law and domestic violence restraining order clinics throughout the Bay Area. Veronica graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and legal studies.
Olivia Layug Balbarin, Director of Administration
Olivia earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Field Studies at UC Berkeley and her law degree from Santa Clara University. Olivia has volunteered at immigration community clinics and received the East Bay Community Law Center’s Community Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013.
Adelaida Caballero, Office Administrator
Adelaida is an administrative leader and social justice advocate. She orchestrates operations across multiple legal clinics while fostering community through innovative wellness programs.
Her professional journey includes executive support at The Greenlining Institute, where she modernized operational systems and strengthened donor relations. As Office Manager at Impact Justice, she revolutionized organizational processes, building upon her foundational experience at the San Francisco Conservation Corps.
A frequent speaker on justice reform, Adelaida presents at institutions including the Latine Journal of Law and Policy and the Debt Free Justice National Convening. She serves as Secretary of the Soapbox Project and actively participates in Berkeley Staff Assembly initiatives.
As a commissioned Notary Public and wellness facilitator, Adelaida combines administrative expertise with a commitment to community engagement, exemplifying how strategic leadership can drive meaningful organizational change while fostering inclusive environments.
She serves as a Secretary for Soapbox Project, a climate nonprofit organization.
Hannah Wittman, Communications & Marketing Specialist
Hannah brings over twenty years of experience in marketing, design, and strategic communications, collaborating with nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporate partners to build brands and drive meaningful change. Passionate about using design and communication for social good, she is excited to support the vital work of the Clinical Program.