About the Order of Malta Legal Clinic
Free Legal Advice for the Oakland Community
The Order of Malta Legal Clinic—formerly known as the Pope Francis Legal Clinic—was founded in June 2016 in the Diocese of Oakland with the blessing of Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide free legal consultation in Oakland to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have access to legal support.
We offer pro bono legal advice through a team of compassionate, experienced retired attorneys. Every consultation is 100% free. While we do not represent clients in court or take legal action, our legal experts help you understand your situation, provide strategic guidance, and refer you to affordable legal resources if necessary. Many clients return for multiple visits as they navigate their legal questions.
Our Team
Our team includes seasoned attorneys and dedicated volunteers, each bringing over 30 years of legal experience and a shared commitment to compassionate service. Guided by faith, integrity, and a spirit of justice, they provide expert legal guidance to those who need it most—completely free of charge.
Tom Greerty
Director and Co-Founder
Tom Greerty is the director and co-founder of the Pope Francis Legal Clinic in Oakland, which operates in partnership with the Order of Malta. Greerty, a retired attorney from Martinez, California, was inspired to start the clinic while pursuing a master’s degree in theological studies at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley.
Nico Herrera
Co-Founder
Nico Herrera is recognized as a co-founder of the Pope Francis Legal Clinic alongside Tom Greerty. He is an attorney in the Diocese of Oakland who played a key role in establishing the clinic and shaping its mission to provide free legal consultations to the community. Herrera's involvement underscores the clinic's deep roots in the local legal and Catholic communities.
Bob Ford
Advisor
Bob Ford was a practicing lawyer in California for just over 50 years and offers his extensive legal knowledge and experience to the community through the clinic as a volunteer. In this role, he provides legal consultations and guidance, helping individuals understand their legal situations and options. Ford's commitment to service reflects the clinic’s mission of offering free legal assistance to those in need, especially in the Oakland area.
Rick Medeiros
Chancellor of The Diocese of Oakland
Rick Medeiros is a seasoned executive leader and prominent lay Catholic involved with the Order of Malta and the Diocese of Oakland. He was appointed Chancellor for the Diocese of Oakland, effective January 1, 2022, where he oversees several key diocesan offices, including Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Communications, Faith Formation and Evangelization, Mission Advancement, and serves as the bishop's liaison for Catholic schools and Catholic Charities of the East Bay.
Our Attorneys
Every volunteer attorney at the clinic is a practicing Catholic with 30+ years of legal experience, committed to offering compassionate, ethical, and expert legal advice to those in need.
Timothy McInerney, Esq.
Attorney
Timothy McInerney is a seasoned attorney with more than 30 years of experience, particularly in construction litigation and business law. He serves as President of the Board for the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California and is a shareholder at McInerney & Dillon in Oakland. His expertise and leadership contribute to the clinic's governance and legal oversight, ensuring high standards in the services provided.
Elizabeth Bernard, Esq.
Attorney
Elizabeth Bernard is an attorney and advisor for the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. She chairs the Governance Committee and brings experience in corporate and insurance law, as well as advising small business founders. Her role at the clinic involves both legal counsel and organizational governance, supporting the clinic's mission of service and compliance.
John Christian, Esq.
Attorney
John Christian is an attorney with over 33 years of experience in civil and business law, and he serves as Executive Director of the Real Property Support Corporation for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. As an ex officio board member and advisor to the clinic, he provides legal expertise and strategic counsel, further strengthening the clinic's capacity to serve the community.
My heart says that our Order of Malta Legal Clinic has been a great success helping people in distress but the reason for that is the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In 2016 on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Bishop Michael Barber said Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the Light and at the foot of the Altar he consecrated our Legal Clinic and all our lawyers and all our clients to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
She has been guiding us ever since. So we pray for her to help us and our clients. It is all on her. May it continue for us in holiness.
Amen
— Tom Greerty
Contact
To make an appointment, please call the Chancery Receptionist at:
Tel: +1 (510) 893-4711
Hours
We are open for appointments on the following days:
Tuesday: 10 am to 2 pm
Thursday: 10 am to 2 pm
© 2025 Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. All Rights Reserved. Tax ID: 20-5969389