Kelly Shea Delvac (JD '21) and Alex Boutelle (JD '21) Take the Helm at Christian Legal Society of Los Angeles
Pepperdine Caruso Law alumni Kelly Shea Delvac (JD ‘21) and Alex Boutelle (JD '21) have stepped into leadership roles at the Christian Legal Society of Los Angeles. This fall, Delvac officially became the president of the Christian Legal Society of Los Angeles (CLS-LA) Chapter. The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is an organization that is “dedicated to serving Jesus Christ through the practice and study of law, the defense of religious freedom and life, and the provision of legal aid to the needy.” Many Pepperdine Caruso Law students have been a part of the CLS Chapter at the law school over the years. Pepperdine students also serve at Christian Legal Aid (CLA) of Los Angeles, which is a facet of the Christian Legal Society.
After graduation, students can join any CLS or CLA chapter across the United States. Delvac had been a part of both CLS and CLA during law school, so the transition to leading the CLS-LA Chapter was a natural one. Prior to Delvac’s leading CLS-LA, Pepperdine Caruso Law chief of staff and assistant dean for professional formation Arnold Barba had occupied the role.
Delvac said, “There is freedom in the reminder that no matter the quality of our legal work (or the facts we have to work with), the Lord is always in control. When I forget that truth the CLS community is there to remind, pray for, and encourage me to keep my eyes on the Lord and rest in that truth. It is my desire that we would grow the CLS community here in Los Angeles (and all over the country). To that end we have events almost every week, some in-person, some over zoom, and some hybrid. We have events to pray, serve, learn, and fellowship, and meet in various locations around the city.”
Additionally, Boutelle has stepped into the role of treasurer for CLS-LA. Boutelle is an attorney for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and has recently become a foster mother. Boutelle said, “It is such a joy to lead the monthly prayer calls and serve as treasurer for CLS-LA. The prayer is always uplifting as we share requests and praises from our legal practices and personal lives. CLS was a powerful catalyst for my growth as a Christian in law school and I am so excited to bless other law students through our scholarship program. This year, through the generosity of our members, we sponsored six students' attendance at the CLS conference, where they received spiritual support, job leads, and connections with Christian lawyers across the country. Our hope is that these students and other law grads will find godly community and encouragement through CLS as they begin their legal careers."
Alumni are invited to join Delvac, Boutelle, and CLS-LA on Facebook at CLS Attorney Chapter Facebook, Instagram at CLS Attorney Chapter Instagram, or LinkedIn at CLS Attorney Chapter LinkedIn.
To join the mailing list e-mail, please e-mail Kelly Shea Delvac at: kellysheadelvac@gmail.com