| |
|
|
|
|
Make a donation to the
Public Law Center to ensure that low income families and those who have nowhere else to turn get a fair shake in our sometimes confusing and complex legal system.
|
|
|
Greetings,
You may have noticed that we have added two new categories to our case list: a
Special Education category and an
Intellectual Property category. We have seen an increase in small businesses and non-profits requesting assistance with trademark, patent, and copyright issues. On this case list we have five in the Intellectual Property category already! Please reach out to PLC
Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou if you are interested in getting involved with these matters.
The Special Education category is a little different. We have had interest from volunteers in these cases, and we know that there are clients out there who need this assistance. We are going to conduct some outreach and make sure our low-income community is aware of PLC as a resource for these cases. If you know of individuals or organizations who work on special education issues, please feel free to connect them with me and we will try to revitalize this part of our practice.
Finally, we have a backlog of
Immigration cases, especially U-Visa cases, and we also particularly need volunteers in
Conservatorship and
Bankruptcy cases. Take a look at the list and see if one of these cases might be a good fit!
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
|
|
|
|
We Make Pro Bono Easy!
PLC is here to support you in your pro bono representation.
Did you know that PLC staff can:
- Answer questions you may have related to your case;
- Provide a mentor to help you;
- Supply you with samples and manuals in many areas of the law;
- Review documents and pleadings;
- Provide interpretation support in Spanish and Vietnamese;
- Arrange office space for you to meet with your client at PLC; and
- Provide malpractice coverage for your PLC pro bono case
|
|
ADOPTION
|
|
No cases at this time.
|
BANKRUPTCY
|
Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1040229
Client has about $35,000 of unsecured debt. Client took out the majority of her debts at the request of her husband, expecting that he would assist with repaying them. Now that client is a single mother and does not have her husband's support, she finds it impossible to repay the debts on her income alone. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1039565
Client is in his early 40s and has about $25,000 of unsecured debt, the majority of which is for a deficiency of a vehicle loan he co-signed for. Client seeks to file as soon as possible because his employer has already received an Earnings Withholding Order for the deficiency debt. Client seeks pro bono assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 18-1040132
Clients are married couple in their 50s. Clients have been sued on debt incurred for emergency medical care, and have been unable to negotiate affordable monthly payments. Clients seek assistance filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy so they can protect their limited income.
*Clients prefer to communicate in Vietnamese*
Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1039799
Clients are a monolingual Spanish speaking married couple. They have about $40,000 of unsecured debt. After husband lost his job, clients fell behind on their payments and have been unable to catch up. Wife has been sued by two of her creditors and fears a wage garnishment because she and her husband rely solely on her income for support.
Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1039733
Client has just under $60,000 of debt. He is low-income and cannot afford to continue paying into his debts while paying for his basic living necessities. Client has been sued by a creditor and fears an eventual wage garnishment. Client is in his early 30s.
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, PLC 18-1039621
Client recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and has received a discharge. Prior to the case being closed, an individual creditor filed an adversary proceeding, alleging that the client owed him a debt that was nondischargeable as a result of willful and malicious injury. However, there is an ongoing state court case and liability has not yet been determined. Client has filed an answer pro se but would like assistance defending the remainder of the case.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037627
Client is an monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 40s with a little under $15,000 of unsecured debt. Client provides for her two young daughters and can no longer afford to support her family while continuing to pay her debts. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
|
|
BENEFITS
|
Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
|
CONSERVATORSHIP
|
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1040037
Proposed conservatee is a soon-to-be adult, diagnosed with autism. He is non-verbal and requires help with eating, grooming, and bathing. Such assistance is provided by his parents and adult sister.
Proposed conservatee learns at a pre-school level. He cannot advocate for himself and his parents have been urged to seek a limited conservatorship over his person. The clients (proposed co-conservators) are his mother, father and adult sister.
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1040221
Clients are a married couple who seek a limited conservatorship over their developmentally-disabled adult daughter. She suffers from a severe intellectual disability and has been diagnosed with autism. The clients have run into difficulties dealing with proposed conservatee's health insurance plan. Without conservatorship, they are unable to manage her health insurance, authorize procedures, or get information on her behalf. Clients have tried to begin the process in pro per, but are overwhelmed by the paperwork and legal information.
*Clients primarily speak Spanish*
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1039892
Client has a 22-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome. Her daughter is a client of the Regional Center. Client attends medical appointments with her daughter as her daughter is unable to understand and follow through with her physician's instructions on her own. Her daughter's doctors and specialists have been asking Client for proof of decision-making authority. As a result, she seeks to establish a limited conservatorship over her daughter.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish*
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1039944
Proposed conservatee is in his 30s and suffered a brain aneurysm. He is nonverbal and requires a feeding tube. The clients are his mother and adult sister who seek a general conservatorship over him. Clients take him to his medical appointments and attempt to access information regarding his health insurance, but are asked to present proof of decision-making authority. Clients seek only conservatorship of the person, not of the estate.
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1039855
Clients are a married couple seeking a limited conservatorship over their soon-to-be adult son. Clients' son has autism and receives services from the Regional Center of Orange County. He is very limited in his vocabulary and has difficulty communicating with others outside of his immediate family. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
|
CONSUMER
|
Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.
Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local recreational vehicle dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Car Repair Dispute, PLC 17E-1039044
Client took her car in for repairs at a local auto repair shop. After leaving the repair shop, Client discovered that significant damage had been done to her car, resulting in significant repair costs. Because she could not afford to repair her car, which was fully paid off, Client purchased a new vehicle that she had to finance with a monthly payment of almost $400. Client would like assistance pursuing the auto repair shop for the damages their shoddy work caused.
Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination. Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.
Predatory Training School, PLC 17E-1038290
Clients are a married couple and are both veterans. After they were discharged from the military, they sought to enter truck driving school to "retire" together and drive around the country. Clients entered into an agreement where they agreed to repay the cost of the training by agreeing to drive for the company for a certain number of months. For various reasons, Clients were unable to complete the commitment and now have collection agencies trying to collect from them. Clients seek assistance fighting the alleged debt as they believe the training was inadequate.
|
|
CUSTODY
|
Custody Dispute for Domestic Violence Survivor, PLC 17-1039383
Client is a victim of serious domestic abuse. She has a restraining order in place, and a stipulated custody/visitation agreement with her abuser regarding their children. They have a review hearing in late March to address potential changes to custody and visitation. Client would like an attorney to assist her with the review hearing, so that she can ensure her own safety, and so that she can protect the best interests of their children.
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
Custody/Visitation, PLC 17-1038136
Client is seeking assistance with a parentage/custody matter involving her one year old daughter. Client is a survivor of domestic violence. Father is addicted to various drugs and is not mentally stable. Client does not have a restraining order, but feels she does not need one as father resides in Illinois. Client is primarily concerned with ensuring she can provide a stable future for her daughter.
|
|
DISABILITY RIGHTS
|
Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
|
|
DISSOLUTION
|
Dissolution, PLC 18-1039665
Client just recently initiated the divorce process with adverse party, to whom she has been married for over twenty years. Client has filed for a restraining order against adverse party, and has survived domestic violence over the years. Adverse party has always controlled the finances as well, so Client is in need of a volunteer attorney to assist her with navigating the process. Client has one minor child of a teenage age that prefers to stay with client. There are no assets or real property; Client's main concern is obtaining financial support.
Dissolution, PLC 18-1039666
Client has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease (which limits her speech capacity) and wants help with initiating her divorce. Client's sister is currently her care taker as the husband has abused and neglected the client (sister is currently trying to obtain conservatorship as well.) The client's primary concern is having at least visitation with her children as the husband has disappeared and has not allowed Client to have any contact with the minor children.
Dissolution, PLC 17- 1039181
Client is a fluent English speaker who needs help continuing the divorce process after initiating it in October 2017. Client has been married for more than a decade and has one minor child. She is seeking full custody along with spousal and child support as well, as she has been caring for the child while father is not around. There seems to be no big issues with any property (just vehicles and a boat), along with some credit card debt. Client is in need of assistance as adverse party has control of the bank accounts as well.
Divorce, PLC 17-1039138
Client is seeking assistance finalizing her divorce case that has been ongoing for about nine years. Client will be asking for spousal support and part-ownership of, or income from, a business owned by Client's spouse, as well as a house outside of the country. Client and spouse also have debts that are community property that need resolving.
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17E-1038261
Client is a single mother of a young son and a survivor of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with two upcoming hearings relating to her dissolution and custody. Adverse Party is represented and open to settlement. Client will not be seeking any property or spousal support, and Client and Adverse Party have no debts in common. Client will need assistance with discovery to determine Adverse's assets. Client is a dedicated educator and hopes to focus on caring for her son and her teaching career.
Divorce and Child Custody, PLC 17-1038253
Client is a single mother of two young children and a survivor of domestic violence. She needs assistance with an initial petition for divorce. Client has an active Criminal Protective Order against Adverse Party and he is currently in police custody pending prosecution. Client will be seeking a share of Adverse Party's 401K plan. Client works in the medical field and works every day to save the lives of Orange County community members.
|
|
GUARDIANSHIP
|
No cases at this time.
|
IMMIGRATION
|
VAWA and U-Visa, PLC 18E-1040292
Client is in her early 30s and is a single mother of four U.S. Citizen children, ranging in age from 17 to 2 years old. She is a survivor of physical and emotional abuse by her Legal Permanent Resident husband. In addition, her 17-year-old daughter was the victim of sexual abuse by client's father-in-law several years ago. Both client and her daughter are going to therapy.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Adjustment of Status - Spouse of Military Veteran, PLC 18-1039771
Client is married to a U.S. Citizen who is an Army veteran. They are raising their two children from prior relationships, with their own child on the way in March 2018. Client is eligible to apply for permanent residence based on her marriage and has already prepared drafts of all the necessary forms. The clients' interview will take place at the USCIS Office in San Bernardino, CA.
*Client and her husband are English speakers*
Adjustment of Status Based on Derivative Asylum, PLC 17-1039372
Client is a 16 year old high school student. She is seeking assistance with filing an adjustment of status petition with no derivatives. Client has no health issues or disabilities, and does not have a criminal record.
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
Asylum & Deportation Defense, PLC18-1039807, 18-1040156 & 18-1040157
Client and her two minor children fled Mexico to escape severe domestic violence. They presented themselves at the border seeking asylum based on the domestic violence. Client was given a credible fear interview and determined to demonstrate a credible fear. Clients were placed in removal proceedings and their cases have been consolidated. Clients are seeking representation in their removal proceedings.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
*Asylum application must be filed by October 2018 and the next hearing is January 2019*
Asylum for Haitan Client, PLC 18-103TBD
Client is a pro se asylum applicant from Haiti, who was attacked along with his partner a few years ago by bandits in his home country specifically because they were gay. His partner was killed as a result. Client's asylum claim was denied, but he was successful in his pro se appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Client seeks representation for the asylum hearing in the trial court at Adelanto Immigration Court. The Institute of Democracy and Justice in Haiti is able to provide some support in these cases, including contact info for remote Creole translators, articles regarding relevant country conditions reports, and references for country conditions experts.
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
Asylum & Deportation Defense, PLC 18E-1039634 & 18E-1039907
Clients are mother and daughter from Central America. They came to the United States to flee severe domestic violence, which included death threats and rape. Both women were detained at the border, but have been released from detention, and are living in Orange County. Asylum application has already been submitted. Next Master Calendar hearing in Immigration Court is in early December.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Citizenship and Deportation Defense, PLC 18-1039851
Client is a long-time lawful permanent resident who has lived in the United States since he was a child. He is the main caretaker for his elderly U.S. Citizen mother, who suffers from complications from diabetes. He has a claim to U.S. Citizenship through his late father, who was born in the United States in the 1930s. Client is in removal proceedings at the Los Angeles Immigration court, with his next master calendar hearing is in Mid-May 2018.
*Client speaks fluent English*
U-Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 18-1039942
Client is a teenager of Guatemalan Nationality. Client is a derivative of a U-visa application granted almost 7 years ago for his mother. Client is a freshman in high school and has no family to care for him if he were forced to return to Guatemala. Client is seeking assistance adjusting status to Legal Permanent Resident so that he may remain in the United States with his mother. Client's U-visa status expires early July 2018.
*Client primarily speaks Spanish, but understands some English*
Email Staff Attorney Diana Spix
U-Visa, PLC 18E-1040155
Client is in her mid-20s and makes less than $500 per month to support herself and her two children. She is a survivor of domestic violence, and her older child (who is still very young) witnesses the violence against her. Client's highest level of education is 11th grade. Client would like assistance submitting a U-Visa application for herself and her child.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Client is in her late 40s and is a single mother of two US Citizen children, one of whom was the victim of sexual abuse. The predator was convicted of the abuse and sentenced to 6 years in prison. Client would like assistance filing a U-Visa application.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 18-1039810
Client is in her early 30s and is a mother of three children. For several years, she was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She reported the abuse to law enforcement and was granted a restraining order against her ex-husband. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038265, 17-1038266 and 17-1038267
Client is in her late 30s and is currently on disability due to pregnancy. Her monthly income consists of food stamps and child support, and her highest level of education is high school. She does not have any illnesses. She has two undocumented children and three USC children. Client is seeking assistance with filing a U-Visa petition for herself and her two undocumented children because she was the victim of a crime. A request for a U-Visa certification is pending with law enforcement.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 18-1039677 & 18-1039790
Client is in his mid-30s and is the father of two children. He was the victim of assault with a deadly weapon. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition. He would like to include his wife as a derivative. Client has obtained U-Visa certification from law enforcement, which expires in July 2018. Therefore, the U-Visa would need to be filed before expiration.
*Client is bilingual, but prefers to communicate in Spanish*
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1039128
Client is in her early 30s and is a stay home mother of three U.S. Citizen Children. She did not attend High School. She would like assistance preparing and submitting a U-Visa application as an indirect victim of sexual abuse. She has no criminal record and she has no derivatives.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
|
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
|
Small Business (Graphic Design) - Trademark, Copyright, PLC 18-1040195
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting an on-line graphic design business. The client seeks legal advice and counsel on how to trademark the business name and logo. Client also seeks legal advice on how to obtain copyright protection of her designs and artwork.
Small Business (Sports Apparel) - Patent, PLC 18-1040090
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a sports apparel business, specifically safety gear. Client filed a provisional patent (utility), which will expire in May 2018. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with filing a non-provisional patent or, alternatively, filing another provisional application.
Nonprofit (Cultural Center) - Trademark, PLC 18-1040279
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and celebrate diverse cultures in Orange County. Client has become aware that another organization is using a logo similar in design and appearance to the logo client has been using for several years. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its logo, as well as advice and counsel with preventing further infringement.
Nonprofit (Leadership Education) - Trademark, Copyright, PLC 18-1040279
Client is a nonprofit organization that provides education and fellowship opportunities for high school students. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its logo. Client also seeks legal advice and counsel on how to obtain copyright protection of the curriculum material it creates as part of its education programs.
Nonprofit (Entrepreneurship) - Copyright, PLC 18-1039699
Client is an existing nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist Orange County residents launch successful and sustainable businesses. As part of its education programs, client creates various publications and materials. Client seeks legal advice and guidance on how best to protect its intellectual property in the materials it creates. Client also seeks advice on best practices when using outside materials to prevent unintended infringement.
|
|
LANDLORD / TENANT
|
Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
|
|
LITIGATION
|
Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.
Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
Probate Litigation, PLC 17-1039099
Client has been involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She believes the current administrator of the estate may not be acting in the best interest of the estate or of the beneficiary, and that he may be breaching his fiduciary duty. She seeks assistance removing the current administrator and preserving the primary asset of the estate.
*Hearing set in Early June 2018*
Sales Dispute, PLC 17-1038228
A local recreational vehicle dealership made certain misrepresentations to Client that caused him to agree to purchase a vehicle. Client was desperate at the time and was dealing with a number of stressors. Client used his life savings to make a cash payment, but when he and the dealership agreed to cancellation, they retained one quarter of the payment for reasons that are unclear. Client would like assistance recovering his money from the dealership.
Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination. Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.
|
|
NONPROFIT
|
|
Nonprofit (Cultural Center) - Trademark, PLC 18-1040279
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and celebrate diverse cultures in Orange County. Client has become aware that another organization is using a logo similar in design and appearance to the logo client has been using for several years. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its logo, as well as advice and counsel with preventing further infringement.
Nonprofit (Leadership Education) - Trademark, Copyright, PLC 18-1040279
Client is a nonprofit organization that provides education and fellowship opportunities for high school students. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its logo. Client also seeks legal advice and counsel on how to obtain copyright protection of the curriculum material it creates as part of its education programs.
Nonprofit (Entrepreneurship) - Copyright, PLC 18-1039699
Client is an existing nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist Orange County residents launch successful and sustainable businesses. As part of its education programs, client creates various publications and materials. Client seeks legal advice and guidance on how best to protect its intellectual property in the materials it creates. Client also seeks advice on best practices when using outside materials to prevent unintended infringement.
Nonprofit (Cultural Relations) - Review of Bylaws, PLC 18-1039834
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding among different cultures in our community. Client has recently updated their corporate bylaws and seeks legal assistance with ensuring that the bylaws conform to California law.
|
|
RESTRAINING ORDER
|
Permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039322
Client is seeking representation for an upcoming hearing for a permanent domestic violence restraining order. Client is a survivor of human trafficking and mother of a young child. The adverse party has continuously violated the temporary restraining order, including harassment, stalking and threats. PLC is assisting Client with an Order to Show Cause regarding these violations. Client hopes to obtain a permanent restraining order so that she can begin a new life with her son and transition into a domestic violence shelter program where she will be safe from this abuse.
*Hearing is set for mid-April 2018*
Email Victims of Crime Project Coordinator Rosa Hernandez
Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039361
Client is a member of a protected class and has been relentlessly harassed by a third party. Client continues to receive hundreds of unsolicited calls, messages and threats of defamation, making it difficult for him to get through each day. Client seeks pro bono representation in obtaining a civil harassment restraining order as soon as possible.
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS
|
|
Small Business - LLC Member Dispute, PLC 18-1040039
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who formed a Member-Managed Limited Liability Company with a partner several years ago. The partner removed client as a managing member of the LLC and has been preventing client from receiving his share of the business proceeds. Client seeks legal assistance with understanding and enforcing his rights under the LLC Operating Agreement.
Small Business (Graphic Design) - Trademark, Copyright, PLC 18-1040195
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting an on-line graphic design business. The client seeks legal advice and counsel on how to trademark the business name and logo. Client also seeks legal advice on how to obtain copyright protection of her designs and artwork.
Small Business (Sports Apparel) - Patent, PLC 18-1040090
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a sports apparel business, specifically safety gear. Client filed a provisional patent (utility), which will expire in May 2018. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with filing a non-provisional patent or, alternatively, filing another provisional application.
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION
|
|
No cases at this time.
|
|
VETERANS
|
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035674
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 30s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. The veteran enlisted prior to his 18th birthday. After four years of service, including deployment overseas, the veteran extended his enlistment contract for another two years. However, shortly after extending his contract, he had a lapse in judgment that resulted in separation with a General under Honorable Conditions discharge for "misconduct." The veteran is interested in a discharge upgrade so that he can receive GI Bill benefits and improve his employment prospects.
Email Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Veterans Fellow Ryan Ueda
Predatory Training School, PLC 17E-1038290
Clients are a married couple and are both veterans. After they were discharged from the military, they sought to enter truck driving school to "retire" together and drive around the country. Clients entered into an agreement where they agreed to repay the cost of the training by agreeing to drive for the company for a certain number of months. For various reasons, Clients were unable to complete the commitment and now have collection agencies trying to collect from them. Clients seek assistance fighting the alleged debt as they believe the training was inadequate.
Back to top
|
|
WILLS & ESTATES
|
Wills & Estates, PLC 17E-1038319
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 40s seeking assistance with a will or trust to formalize the distribution of his estate upon his passing. Client is single and wishes to leave his entire estate to his sister. However, if his sister predeceases him, client would like to ensure that his estate will pass to his nieces upon their reaching a specified age.
Probate Litigation, PLC 17-1039099
Client has been involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She believes the current administrator of the estate may not be acting in the best interest of the estate or of the beneficiary, and that he may be breaching his fiduciary duty. She seeks assistance removing the current administrator and preserving the primary asset of the estate.
*Hearing set in Early June 2018*
Email Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Elder Justice Fellow Cassandra Martinez
Probate Dispute, PLC 17-1039536
Client is in her early 90s and is involved in a probate dispute regarding her late-husband's holographic writings. Throughout their marriage, her late husband handled all of their affairs. She was unaware that she was not listed as a joint tenant on the title held for their residence. She believes a family member deceived her late husband (he did not speak English and did not understand American trust and estate laws) by managing her husband's finances and misrepresenting the consequences of certain decisions.
*Client primarily speaks Farsi*
Revocable Living Trust, PLC 17-1039325
Single, elderly client seeks to create a revocable living trust. Her main asset is a home she purchased in the mid-1990s that she would like to leave to her close relatives and/or her church. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
|
Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
