About Abigail

Abigail Trillin serves as the Executive Director at Legal Services for Children (LSC) in San Francisco, California. Since joining the organization in 1996, she has played a pivotal role in shaping its mission and impact. Initially, Ms. Trillin began her journey at LSC as a staff attorney, where she provided legal representation to vulnerable youth. Her dedication and expertise led her to become the Managing Attorney before she assumed her current leadership role. Under her guidance, LSC has expanded its services and outreach, ensuring that children's rights are upheld in the legal system. In addition to her role at LSC, Ms. Trillin is an Adjunct Professor at UC Law San Francisco, previously known as UC Hastings.

Since 2014, she has taught the Lawyering for Children Practicum every fall. This course uniquely combines a weekly seminar on juvenile law with practical fieldwork at LSC, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in advocating for children's rights. During the spring semester, she also teaches a Child Welfare Practicum, further enriching the educational experience for her students. Her commitment to education reflects her belief in the importance of training the next generation of legal advocates. Ms. Trillin earned her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law in 1995. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies at Yale University in 1990. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her career in law.

She was admitted to the State Bar of California on December 7, 1995, starting her professional journey in child welfare law. Her extensive knowledge and experience have positioned her as a leader in the field. Recognized as one of the nation’s first Certified Child Welfare Law Specialists, Ms. Trillin has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in child welfare issues. Her certification shows her commitment to excellence in legal practice. Additionally, she is proficient in Spanish. As a result, the attorney can serve a broader range of clients and represent diverse communities. This linguistic skill enhances her ability to connect with families and understand their challenges.

Throughout her career, Ms. Trillin has made significant contributions to child welfare law through her leadership at LSC and her role as an educator. She continues to advocate for children's rights and education, reflecting her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of young people. Her work not only impacts individual cases but also contributes to broader systemic changes in the legal field for children. As she moves forward in her career, Ms. Trillin remains a vital force in the fight for justice and equity for children in California and beyond.

Education

New York University School of Law

J.D. (1995)

1992

Yale University

Bachelor s Degree (1990) | American Studies

1986

Languages

English (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Clinical Supervising Lawyer, Youth and Education Law Project

Mills Legal Clinic, Stanford Law School
2021

Executive Director

Legal Services for Children
2013

Accepted Jurisdictions

California

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California U.S. District Court

Types of Cases Handled

foster care guardianship education immigration

Legal Services Scope

Staff attorney Managing attorney Executive director