Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law’s Alona Cortese Elder Law Center was recently the recipient of a $10,000 donation from the Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation. The donation will help fund the day-to-day activities of the center, which provides free legal services to low-income Southern California seniors while also providing law students with a variety of hands-on learning experiences.

Dean Campbell with donors


Cary Bowdich, Fowler School of Law Assistant Dean; Lisa Gibson, Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation Board Member; Renee M. Gabbard, Partner, Bryan Cave; Tom Campbell, Fowler School of Law Dean

The center, established in 2000, is staffed by law students under the supervision of law faculty, and provides services such as basic legal advice in claims of elder abuse and exploitation, will drafting, advance health care directives, representation at administrative hearings, Medicare, Social Security, guardianships and conservatorships. The center is entirely dependent upon community support and aims to accept and resolve approximately 200 cases each year. It is currently seeking funds toward a $2 million sustaining fund. A naming opportunity for that sustaining fund also exists in order to keep the center’s operations funded in perpetuity.

Students participating in the center work under the supervision of Fowler School of Law Professor and Director of Clinical Education Kurt Eggert and Professor Sandra Skahen. Through their work at the center, students develop a clear understanding about the lasting impact they can have upon an elderly person’s life and learn compassion in dealing with needy seniors and their families.

“It was enlightening to meet with the faculty at the Alona Cortese Elder Law Center and learn more about their legal services for the elderly in Orange County,” said Lisa Gibson, Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation Board Member. “As a member of the board at the Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation, it was a pleasure to learn that this worthy organization received one of our grants.”

The Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation regularly supports local charities, with an emphasis on organizations focused on families in crisis, children in need, the aging and dying, the homeless, and those that promote literacy and education. In addition to direct giving, the foundation regularly hosts both large and small fundraising events throughout the year.

Learn more about the Alona Cortese Elder Law Center.

Learn more about Chapman University Fowler School of Law clinics.