How One Attorney’s Pro Bono Experience Continues to Shape His Commitment to Justice

When Marco Verdugo was sworn in as Chula Vista’s City Attorney on April 9, 2024, he stepped into a role that places him at the center of the city’s legal landscape. As the City’s general counsel, he advises the City Council, officials, boards, commissions, and departments on a broad range of legal matters—from public safety and land use to labor law and compliance with state and federal regulations. His office drafts and reviews municipal contracts, ordinances, and resolutions—ensuring the legal integrity of one of the fastest-growing cities in the region.

But City Attorney Verdugo’s commitment to justice began long before he took public office.

Earlier in his legal career, City Attorney Verdugo volunteered as a pro bono attorney with Casa Cornelia Law Center, assisting a family seeking asylum in the United States. Though the case was challenging, the experience left a deep and lasting impression.

“Casa Cornelia’s mission—to serve the most vulnerable with free, quality legal representation—spoke directly to why I became a lawyer in the first place,” he shares. “I was honored to stand beside a family fleeing persecution, and to help ensure their story was heard.”

City Attorney Verdugo recalls the courage of the clients he served, individuals who had fled violence and danger, who were navigating an intimidating legal system in a new country. “Despite all they had endured, they held on to hope. That resilience motivated me to give everything I could to their case.”

Though City Attorney Verdugo came into the experience with a general understanding of immigration law, he quickly saw how intricate and high-stakes asylum cases could be. “These cases are about life and death,” he says. “Clients must prove credible fear of persecution, and the system does not make it easy. Without legal help, many are denied a fair chance.” The experience also changed how he viewed the practice of law.

“I learned that advocacy isn’t just about making legal arguments. It’s about listening with compassion, building trust, and being present for clients as they share some of the most painful chapters of their lives.”

Today, as Chula Vista’s top legal officer, City Attorney Verdugo carries those lessons into his daily work. “Serving as City Attorney is a tremendous responsibility, and my time with Casa Cornelia reinforced that the law is not just a set of rules—it’s a tool for building safer, fairer communities,” he says. “Whether I’m reviewing a contract or advising on a public safety issue, I bring with me the belief that justice should serve everyone.”

City Attorney Verdugo credits his experience at Casa Cornelia with strengthening his sense of purpose. “It taught me that even small victories—like securing a continuance or a work permit—can mean everything to someone. And it showed me that lawyers can make a difference far beyond the courtroom.”

To anyone considering getting involved with Casa Cornelia, City Attorney Verdugo offers simple advice: “Do it. You’ll be part of a mission-driven team. You’ll grow as a professional and as a person. And you’ll help ensure that no one has to face our legal system alone.”

Use Your Skills to Make a Difference — Volunteer with Casa Cornelia

Casa Cornelia Law Center relies on pro bono attorneys to help provide high-quality legal representation to asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, and victims of serious crimes. Whether you’re an experienced litigator or new to immigration law, Casa Cornelia offers training, mentorship, and the opportunity to use your legal skills for lasting impact.

Learn how to get involved: https://casacornelia.org/volunteer-attorneys/

Have a Casa Cornelia story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Email us at panaya@casacornelia.org.