Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Announces Resignation of Victor Geminiani

Los Angeles, December 15, 2006 – The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) today announced that Victor Geminiani, Executive Director, has resigned, effective January 2, 2007, for personal and family reasons. LAFLA has commenced a national search for a new Executive Director.

Toby J. Rothschild, LAFLA’s General Counsel, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director. Mr. Rothschild has been General Counsel of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles since early 2001.  Previously he served as Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation of Long Beach for more than 27 years.

Mr. Geminiani is leaving to pursue a position that will allow him to spend more time with his daughter. Mr. Geminiani previously served for ten years as the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.

During Mr. Geminiani’s tenure, the foundation greatly expanded pro bono involvement with major law firms in our community, increased the staff through fundraising and by laying a ground work for a substantial increase in federally funded Americorps lawyers and established an additional three court based self help centers.

“I have enormously enjoyed working with the very talented staff of LAFLA, one of the premier legal services providers in the United States. I regret my need to resign but I will maintain the many friendships I have formed with LAFLA’s very dedicated staff.”

“The Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is grateful for Victor’s vision, dedication and energy,” said Stephen R. English, president of the Board and a partner with English, Munger & Rice.

Mr. English said LAFLA will conduct a nationwide search for a new executive director. A committee of the Board, led by Glenn D. Pomerantz, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, will oversee the search.

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is the frontline law firm for low-income people in Los Angeles. Since its founding in 1929 LAFLA has been committed to supporting families and the community through programs that ensure safe, affordable housing; maintaining economic stability; promoting safety, security, and health; serving populations with special vulnerabilities; fighting discrimination and protecting human and civil rights.

LAFLA serves over 13,000 clients annually, and assists 36,000 others through referrals, education and other services. LAFLA’s 160 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff advocate for clients, represent community based organizations and provide education through workshops and seminars. More than 500 volunteer attorneys, law students, clerks, externs, interns, and community volunteers contribute more than 15,000 hours of work each year in support of LAFLA’s activities.