Eric Yang ('17) is a senior at UC Berkeley studying Political Science. He is originally from Vancouver, Canada and is attending law school next year. He is passionate about using legal means to make a positive impact in his community. Eric believes it is very important for the legal system to be fair to everyone and wants to ensure the underprivileged have an equal voice within the system.
On campus, he was a caseworker for the Associated Students of the University of California Student Legal Clinic. As a caseworker, Eric did legal research for clients that needed help on a range of matters including immigration, rent disputes and criminal charges. He also became certified through the VITA program and helped students and clients prepare their taxes for free.
Off campus, Eric is very involved in domestic violence prevention work as it is an issue of personal importance to him. He interned in the Domestic Violence Unit at the SF District Attorney's Office where he helped Assistant District Attorneys prepare for their cases against people accused of domestic violence. He also underwent a 40 hour training program to be certified as a domestic violence advocate. Eric volunteers now at La Casa de las Madres, a domestic violence prevention organization. Eric helps out victims and their children at shelters and is now hoping to effect change through legal means in the organization.
Eric is very honored to be given this award and is excited to continue his advocacy work in the future!