Counsel for Justice Names Diane Trunk as New Executive Director
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 3, 2025 – Counsel for Justice (CFJ) announced today that the Board of Directors has voted to appoint Diane Trunk as the organization’s new Executive Director, a position she will assume immediately. She has served as Deputy Executive Director since 2023.
In her time as Deputy Executive Director, Diane has been instrumental in strengthening the systems that support CFJ’s mission to provide free legal help to survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, veterans, and tenants facing eviction. She led the implementation of new accounting, grants management, and case management systems, and created a Director of Pro Bono position to expand volunteer engagement. Her focus on consistent practices has positioned CFJ for sustainable growth and a stronger, more independent identity.
"What excites me most about our work at Counsel for Justice is seeing people regain a sense of power and possibility," said Diane Trunk. "The legal system can be confusing and intimidating, but when someone leaves our clinic feeling stronger, clearer, and ready to take the next step, that’s success."
Diane joined CFJ in 2021 as the Directing Attorney of the Domestic Violence Legal Services Project, where she built a hybrid service model for survivors, introduced volunteer training programs, and developed new tools for data-driven evaluation. Her leadership expanded the project’s reach and secured funding to sustain services.
Prior to joining CFJ, Diane spent seven years in leadership roles at other Los Angeles non-profits, including the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. During that time, she helped secure millions in grant funding, contributed to national research on survivor services, and designed a statewide evaluation model. Her dedication has been recognized with the 2017 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Betty Fisher Award and the 2009 Los Angeles District Attorney Commendation. Diane earned her J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law and her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.
The announcement of her appointment coincides with a significant milestone for CFJ: the launch of its 50th Immigration Campaign. The immigration project is one of CFJ’s most significant and long-standing projects, having served the majority of people who come to CFJ for help for five decades. Originally started by volunteers to provide free legal services to immigrants, the project is a testament to CFJ's long-standing dedication to the community.
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About Counsel for Justice (CFJ)
Counsel for Justice (CFJ) is the pro bono partner of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), committed to ensuring access to justice for vulnerable populations across Los Angeles. Building on a legacy of over 50 years of direct legal services, CFJ was formally established as a 501(c)(3) in 2014. We achieve our mission by connecting skilled volunteer legal professionals with individuals in need, providing free legal assistance in vital areas such as immigration, domestic violence, veterans' support, and housing justice initiatives. CFJ continues to empower individuals and strengthen communities by providing crucial legal support where it's needed most.
