At Niesar & Vestal LLP, we are committed to leveraging our legal expertise in service of the public good. Recent and ongoing pro bono work includes:

California Lawyers for the Arts
For nearly 30 years, Peter Vestal has provided pro bono legal consultations to members of the Bay Area’s arts community in collaboration with California Lawyers for the Arts. 

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Through WAFFA
Carolina Aricu has provided pro bono legal services to the Wharton Alumnae Founders & Funders Association (WAFFA), a nonprofit focused on elevating women leaders in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Carolina has assisted with the legal formation of WAFFA’s 501(c)(3), advising on corporate structure, governance, and tax-exempt status, and serving as outside counsel.

Eye Surgeons International
Gerald Niesar has provided pro bono legal counsel to Eye Surgeons International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to curing blindness in underserved regions worldwide. 

Advocacy and Policy Work on Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
Peter Califano contributes volunteer legislative and lobbying services related to federal and state insolvency law. This includes advocacy on issues such as venue reform, the Bartenwerfer decision, and state-level assignments for the benefit of creditors.

California Bankruptcy Forum
Peter Califano has also helped design and continue to support the California Bankruptcy Forum’s annual pro bono project initiatives, which are coordinated in conjunction with its annual conference. In addition to donating to these projects, Peter volunteers his time to assist individuals in need of bankruptcy-related legal services.
Learn more about the project 

Cancer Sherpa, Inc.  
Provides guidance and support services for cancer patients from preliminary diagnosis to disease outcome and for every possible medical, emotional, and logistical step in between. Jay provides trademark services.

Stephen Wilkes
Jay also provides legal trademark, copyright, and licensing services to Mr. Wilkes, an American photographer, photojournalist, film director, author and lecturer and National Geographic Explorer.