Celebrating 20 Years of UnCommon Law
For twenty years, UnCommon Law has stood alongside people serving life sentences in California, working to transform a system that too often confuses punishment with justice.
UnCommon Law’s work is rooted in proximity – deep, human connection with people closest to the issue. Our trauma-informed parole representation places our attorneys, clinicians, and peer advocates in close relationship with those navigating one of the largest contributors to mass incarceration that few people talk about.
This proximity allows us to bear witness to the humanity, resilience, and transformation of people too often erased from public conversation.
Power grows from connection.
When people who have experienced incarceration step into leadership, when communities organize for change, and when stories are shared openly, the system begins to shift.
For two decades, UnCommon Law has worked to transform this proximity into power.
Thanks to the support of our community, many UnCommon Law clients have been able to return home and reunite with their loved ones.
The video below honors those moments.
A video montage capturing the moments when UnCommon Law clients returned home and reunited with their loved ones over the years.
Be Part of Our 20th Anniversary
Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating two decades of impact through events, storytelling, community gatherings, and more that highlight the people and partnerships shaping this movement.
Explore the stories, events, and opportunities below to see how you can be part of this milestone year.
20th Anniversary Events
Lifer School
This year’s Lifer School, a full-day educational symposium focused on California’s discretionary parole process, will take place at UCLA School of Law on Saturday, March 14.
Film Screening
As part of our 20th anniversary year, UnCommon Law will host a series of film screenings, with the first taking place this April. More information and ticket registration for April’s film screening will be available here soon.
UnCommon Heroes
UnCommon Heroes is UnCommon Law’s annual event and homecoming, where our community gathers to say “welcome home” to former clients and others recently released from prison. This year’s event will take place in October. More information will be coming soon.
As we continue through our twentieth year, we will create opportunities to come closer to the work, deepen understanding, and reinforce the power of this community. More events coming soon!
20 Years of UnCommon Voices
Voices from our clients, program participants, community members, and loved ones who have been part of UnCommon Law’s journey over the past twenty years.
Debbie’s Story
Since Debbie’s release, she’s been supporting others on their healing journeys.
Gregory’s Story
At age 65 and after more than 48 years incarcerated, Gregory returned home to his loved ones.
Dwayne’s Story
In this video, Dwayne shares what motivates him to help others navigate away from challenging life choices and toward healthier paths.
Home After Harm
Hear from participants inside our HAH program from the 2025 event at Lancaster.
For our 20th anniversary, we are uplifting the voices and experiences of our community. If UnCommon Law has been part of your journey in any way and you’d like to share your story, please email comms@uncommonlaw.org.
Ways to Support Our 20th Anniversary
UnCommon Law’s work has always been shaped by community. As we mark twenty years, there are many ways to be part of this milestone year — from helping bring our events to life to supporting the work that continues beyond it.
Sponsor a 20th Anniversary Event
Volunteer Your Time, Skills, or Services
Sponsor an upcoming event to help bring advocates, formerly incarcerated leaders, loved ones, and community partners together while supporting the programs and advocacy that make this work possible. View sponsorship opportunities to learn what your support can make possible.
Make Gift in honor of our 20th anniversary
Support our 20th anniversary year with a one-time gift that helps sustain the legal representation, programs, and advocacy that make this work possible.
Volunteer to support an upcoming 20th anniversary event, or share your resources or skills in photography, videography, or other creative fields to help document and share the moments that define this year. Your time, talents, ideas, and networks can help power UnCommon Law’s work.
Become a Sustaining Donor
Give monthly throughout our 20th anniversary year to provide steady support for the legal services, healing-centered programs, and advocacy that help people navigate the parole process and return home.
To find out more about how your gift can support the work of UnCommon Law or to speak with someone on our Development team, please contact give@uncommonlaw.org.
The next 20 years of advocacy will not be defined by what we can do, but by how many others we are able to empower to do this work alongside us. Thank you for continuing to stand with us in this work.
