Law Suits drive to collect clothing goes national

The “Law Suits” program, originated in Orange County in 1997 by the State Bar’s Litigation Section as a way to help people seeking self-sufficiency get back on their feet, has gone national. In partnership with Men’s Wearhouse, the project is again collecting business attire for men and women in need throughout September.

The clothing store giant began its nationwide effort, called the National Suit Drive, last year. Norm Rodich, the Irvine lawyer who started the program, said the Litigation Section’s efforts continue throughout California.

Donations of suits, shirts, ties, belts and shoes, as well as casual wear, can be made at any Men’s Warehouse store. The clothing collected through Law Suits is given to nonprofits throughout the state, and in the national program, throughout the country.

Last year, in California alone, Rodich said multiple thousands of suits were donated. He expects this year’s drive to collect “many times that nationally.”

The Litigation Section program also continues its relationship with Working Wardrobes for a New Start, an Orange County nonprofit that helps adults in crisis return to the workforce. Each year, Working Wardrobes sponsors a Day of Self-Esteem, offering job counseling and other services as well as new clothing for people returning to the workforce.

Details can be found at calbar.org/lawsuits.