FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 5, 2023
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Denounces Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action
LOS ANGELES, CA —Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) announces the addition of two new leaders joining the civil rights and legal services organization — Litigation Director Paul Estuar and Vice President of Programs Cori Racela. Estuar started his work with the organization in May of this year and Racela begins her tenure this August.
Estuar and Racela bring a wealth of experience and passion that propels AJSOCAL’s mission to protect and strengthen the rights and dignity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged.
“AJSOCAL’s Impact Litigation unit and direct service programs are some of the most crucial areas of our organization’s work,” said Connie Chung Joe, CEO of AJSOCAL. “With over a decade of experience in legal and community facing work, Paul and Cori’s profound expertise is a true testament to their unwavering commitment to justice. Paul’s strategic brilliance and Cori’s visionary leadership positions AJSOCAL to reach new heights in our pursuit for a more equitable society. During a milestone year where AJSOCAL is celebrating our 40th anniversary, we are all the more excited to welcome Paul and Cori as they open yet another new chapter for the organization.”
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new staff:
Paul Estuar – Litigation Director:
Paul Estuar is the Litigation Director of AJSOCAL. As head of AJSOCAL’s Impact Litigation Unit, Paul defines the organization’s litigation priorities and proactively develops potential engagements around key civil rights issues impacting AAPI individuals across Southern California and the country.
Prior to joining AJSOCAL, Paul spent 10 years affirmatively litigating housing and civil rights cases as a Senior Housing Attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), obtaining victories in a number of important cases including a Fair Housing and disability discrimination case, an illegal eviction case on behalf of tenants displaced by the landlord seeking to convert affordable housing into a tourist hotel, and habitability cases on behalf of tenants living in Skid Row residential hotels.
Beyond trial, Paul’s practice also consisted of extensive appellate work, arguing before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit. Paul has been named to the Southern California Super Lawyers list in Public Interest and in Civil Rights for the past 11 years.
Paul has a long and distinguished history of community and public service. Paul is a former president of both the Philippine American Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles and served as Regional Governor of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. In 1996, Paul was recognized by AJSOCAL (then known as the Asian Pacific American Legal Center) for his community service and dedication to the legal needs of indigent clients. He has served on a number of community boards, including as the President of the Filipino American Library. He currently sits as an appointee on the City of Whittier’s Personnel Board, where he will serve a four-year term.
Paul’s commitment to ensuring fairness and equality in the legal system is inspiring, and we are beyond lucky to have him leading our litigation efforts.
Cori Racela – Vice President of Programs:
AJSOCAL is equally delighted to welcome Cori Racela as our new Vice President of Programs. Cori joins AJSOCAL with a profound commitment to social justice and a remarkable background in advocating for the underserved.
Most recently, Cori served as Deputy Director at Western Center on Law & Poverty. In her senior leadership role, Cori managed the impact litigation team, helping low-income Californians access to health, housing, public benefits, and access to justice. Cori also led Western Center’s initiative to prioritize racial justice in the organization’s external and internal efforts, and policy advocacy efforts focused on Medi-Cal eligibility and due process rights.
Throughout her career, Cori has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. Before Western Center, her experience was anchored in health policy at the National Health Law Program and in direct services as an attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. Cori’s contributions also led to her appointment as a commissioner on the Los Angeles County Community Prevention and Population Health Task Force.
As our Vice President of Programs, Cori will be instrumental in shaping the future of AJSOCAL’s initiatives, leading the team of talented attorneys and staff, and collaborating with external partners to effect positive change in in our communities. We are confident that her strategic leadership will significantly contribute to our collective goal to live out our mission and values in meaningful and effective ways.
Paul and Cori’s exciting addition to the team comes at a pivotal moment for AJSOCAL as we celebrate 40 years as an organization, and the 40 years of social justice to come.
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