Our values are grounded in anti-racism, abolition, and collectivism.
Our Story
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo was founded in November 2012 by immigration attorney Sandy Restrepo and undocumented community organizers, including Alma Gutierrez. The idea was born while Sandy was still in law school, inspired by her mentor Dean Spade. Together, they envisioned a legal collective that provided both legal support and helped build community power.
Who we are
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo is a non-hierarchical collective organization founded for and by undocumented immigrants working to build community leadership and power for migrant justice through legal advocacy and education
2022 at a Glance
144
Pro bono cases
10% of all active cases
246
New cases opened in 2022
1521
Active Cases
24
New Pro bono cases
Our Model
At the heart of our nonprofit lies a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a voice, and every voice matters. That’s why we proudly identify as a Collective. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to equality and equity. In our organization, no one person holds all the power. Instead, we work together, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of each member. Decisions, from policies to initiatives, are made through a democratic process, where every member has an equal vote and an equal say.
