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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.
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Greetings,
We hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with family, friends and lots and lots of food!
Back in October, as part of the ABA's Celebration of Pro Bono, I challenged all of you to clear the case list by the end of the year. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if it was a realistic goal or not. However, this community more than stepped up to the plate. Over the last few weeks, PLC attorneys have been placing cases right and left. We are overwhelmed by the response. However, as you can see from the current list, it is completely restocked, as there are
always people requesting our assistance. On this list you will see a particularly large bump in immigration cases, primarily U-Visas, but a few Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases as well. This is a particularly frightening time for many of our immigrant clients, and we would love to show our clients the support of our community by finding them lawyers to assist with their
immigration cases.
And, I have to mention: we are kicking off our year-end giving campaign. We want you to tell us why PLC is important to you! Get on Social Media, tag @PublicLawCenter and use #MyGivingStory to tell us your giving story!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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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
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ADOPTION
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038135
Client is in her 60s and receives only pension and Social Security. Client has a long-term illness and is in the middle of a divorce. Client has been sued by two creditors. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts primarily for peace of mind.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038244
Clients are a married couple in their early 30s. Clients' low income has made it impossible for them to repay their debts while continuing to provide for themselves and their young daughter. They seek pro bono assistance to discharge their debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and obtain a fresh start for their family.
Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1036835
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 40s with debts totaling about $35,000. Client is low-income and stopped paying her credit cards in early 2016 because she was unable to continue making payments while helping to support her 4 children. She fears possible wage garnishments in the future. Client seeks help filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038132
Client is an English speaking woman in her 50s with about $35,000 of unsecured debt that she cannot afford to repay. Client is low-income and her disability makes it unlikely that she will be able to increase her income in the near future. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037964
Client is an English speaking woman in her mid 30s with just over $20,000 of unsecured debt. Client left her abusive ex-boyfriend and is now a single mother to her baby daughter. Client cannot afford to repay her debts while continuing to support herself and her daughter. She seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
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.
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BENEFITS
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No cases at this time.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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CONSUMER
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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.
Car Dealership Dispute, PLC 17E-1039123
Client is a woman in her 40s who purchased a new vehicle from a major dealership about 2 months ago. Recently, client has been asked by one of the salespeople to return to the dealership to sign over a check the dealership believes belongs to them. Client is hesitant to do so, especially since the finance contract makes no mention of this check. The dealership salesperson has verbally threatened client with a lawsuit if she does not sign over the check. Client is a very low-income single mother of three children and seeks pro bono representation in the matter so that the dealership does not take advantage of her.
Insurance Dispute, PLC 17-1037378
Client is a veteran who owns a condominium in Orange County. An incident recently occurred in the community that damaged Client's personal property. The insurance for the homeowners association is refusing to cover the damage, leaving Client in a difficult situation because he cannot afford to repair the property. Client would like assistance pursuing the insurance company to obtain coverage.
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.
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CONTRACTS
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Breach of Contract Defense, PLC 17-1039152
Clients are a couple in their 50s who have been sued for breaching a bail bonds contract. Although Clients only speak Spanish, the contract they allegedly signed is in English and Clients did not understand what it was they were signing. Clients have disputed the debt and are seeking assistance in defending themselves in the lawsuit. The case is currently in Los Angeles Superior Court but, based on the location of the parties and where the contract was entered into, venue should be able to be transferred to Orange County.
*Response to Complaint due THIS WEEK*
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Car Dealership Dispute, PLC 17E-1039123
Client is a woman in her 40s who purchased a new vehicle from a major dealership about 2 months ago. Recently, client has been asked by one of the salespeople to return to the dealership to sign over a check the dealership believes belongs to them. Client is hesitant to do so, especially since the finance contract makes no mention of this check. The dealership salesperson has verbally threatened client with a lawsuit if she does not sign over the check. Client is a very low-income single mother of three children and seeks pro bono representation in the matter so that the dealership does not take advantage of her.
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CUSTODY
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Move-Away Order, PLC 17-1039146
Client is a single mother of two. Client suffered verbal, mental, and physical abuse at the hands of Client's spouse. Client moved into a domestic violence shelter for safety. Client has an open divorce case. Client is in the United States via a visa that is tied to the visa of Client's spouse. When the divorce is finalized, Client will become undocumented. Client seeks help petitioning the court to allow her to move back to her country of origin with her two U.S. born 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.
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DISSOLUTION
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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.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Homeowner/Probate Dispute, PLC 17-103TBD
Client is over the age of 60 and has been involved in a lengthy dispute over a home she believes she inherited. She has been living in the home for a long time, but has been involved in litigation in both civil and probate court for some time. Client is currently involved in a quiet title dispute in probate court that has a hearing date in early January. Client would like assistance gathering evidence and presenting the evidence at the hearing so that she may remain in her home.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038867
Client is in her 80s and has a number of health problems. She lives in a mobile home park, but has been told by the park management that she cannot continue to live there for a number of reasons. Just recently she received a 60 day notice to quit for a number of violations. These unfounded "violations" are causing the client unneeded stress and are negatively impacting her already compromised physical health. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the park, avoiding an unlawful detainer and remaining housed.
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IMMIGRATION
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One Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), PLC 17E-1038872
Client is in her teens and was born in Mexico. She currently lives with her mother and is enrolled in high school. After Client's father abused her, she fled her home to live with her mother. Client would like to request that her mother be given full legal and physical custody of her, and at the same time request that the SIJS findings be made on her behalf.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
One Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), PLC 17E-1038905
Client is a teenager bilingual English and Spanish Speaker. Client is currently residing with her mother who loves, cares for, and supports her. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for her mother to be given full legal and physical custody over her so that she can make educational and medical decisions on her behalf. At the same time client would like to request that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings, and then petitioning the immigration for SIJ status. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to her home country as she has no one to care for her there.
One Parent Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), PLC 17E-1038516
Client is a teenager who currently residing with his mother who loves, cares, and supports him. His father is not in the picture. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for him mother to be given full legal and physical custody over him so that she can make educational and medical decisions on his behalf. At the same time would like to request that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to his home country as he has no one to care for him there.
U-Visa and SIJS Predicate Order, PLC 17E-1038533, 17-1039017 and 17-1039015
Client is in her mid-40s and she has survived many years of domestic violence. She has two children who are both DACA recipients. Client would like assistance preparing and submitting her application for a U-Visa, including her two children as derivatives. In addition, Client is also seeking full physical and legal custody of her children, and the appropriate SIJS orders. This last request must be filed before May 2018.
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1039077
Client is in her mid-20s and earns just over $1,500 per month. She is a DACA recipient and her renewal is pending. However, Client is also a survivor of domestic violence and she would like assistance preparing and filing a U-Visa application so that she may have a path to citizenship. Client does not have a criminal record, and there are no derivatives.
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038894
Client is in her mid-40s and is employed. She did not attend high school. She has two children who are both U.S. Citizens. She would like assistance preparing and submitting a U-Visa application as an indirect victim of sexual abuse.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038887
Client is in her early 40s and is currently unemployed. She survives solely on food stamps and child support. She is a domestic violence survivor and now cares for her three U.S. Citizen children on her own. She would like assistance preparing and submitting her U-Visa application.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038376
Client is in her early 50s and earns less than $1,000 per month. She does not have any disabilities or illnesses, but she cares for her youngest son who has been diagnosed with Autism. She is a survivor of domestic violence and seeks assistance applying for a U-Visa. It is important that she be able to stay in the United States, as her youngest son would not receive the level of services that he needs if she were to take him to her country of origin.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038488
Client is in her early 40s and is dependent on her sister. She was the victim of sexual assault and rape, and is currently in removal proceedings. Client would like assistance preparing and filing her application for a U-Visa. She would like to include her two children as derivatives, including one who is currently in Mexico who would need consular processing. As a result, the U-Visa would need to be submitted by September 2018.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038820
Client is in her mid-30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. Her ex-partner physically abused her and threatened her life on several occasions and Client has contacted the police. Client has a current U-Visa certification that expires by January 2018. Client would like assistance preparing and filing her U-Visa application, as well as filing a derivative for her five year old daughter.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038432
Client is in her mid-40s and is employed. Her highest level of education is secondary school. She has no health issues or disabilities; she is going to therapy and domestic violence classes. She is seeking assistance in filing a u-visa petition for herself as a result of the domestic violence. She has no criminal record and she has no derivatives.
*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*
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Landlord/Tenant Habitability Dispute, PLC 17-1039055
Clients are an elderly grandmother and mother, both with disabilities, whose apartment was recently flooded. It took over three weeks for the landlord to replace the moldy living room carpet, and the young granddaughter became sick because of the mold. In addition, Clients recently received a 60-day notice to quit which expires in early 2018. Clients would like assistance filing an affirmative case against their landlord for failing to grant their reasonable accommodation and for damages as a result of the untimely repairs. Clients would also like assistance avoiding a potential unlawful detainer action.
Mobile Home Owner Dispute, PLC 17-1038867
Client is in her 80s and has a number of health problems. She lives in a mobile home park, but has been told by the park management that she cannot continue to live there for a number of reasons. Just recently she received a 60 day notice to quit for a number of violations. These unfounded "violations" are causing the client unneeded stress and are negatively impacting her already compromised physical health. Client would like assistance resolving the dispute with the park, avoiding an unlawful detainer and remaining housed.
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LITIGATION
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Homeowner/Probate Dispute, PLC 17-103TBD
Client is over the age of 60 and has been involved in a lengthy dispute over a home she believes she inherited. She has been living in the home for a long time, but has been involved in litigation in both civil and probate court for some time. Client is currently involved in a quiet title dispute in probate court that has a hearing date in early January. Client would like assistance gathering evidence and presenting the evidence at the hearing so that she may remain in her home.
Landlord/Tenant Habitability Dispute, PLC 17-1039055
Clients are an elderly grandmother and mother, both with disabilities, whose apartment was recently flooded. It took over three weeks for the landlord to replace the moldy living room carpet, and the young granddaughter became sick because of the mold. In addition, Clients recently received a 60-day notice to quit which expires in early 2018. Clients would like assistance filing an affirmative case against their landlord for failing to grant their reasonable accommodation and for damages as a result of the untimely repairs. Clients would also like assistance avoiding a potential unlawful detainer action.
Breach of Contract Defense, PLC 17-1039152
Clients are a couple in their 50s who have been sued for breaching a bail bonds contract. Although Clients only speak Spanish, the contract they allegedly signed is in English and Clients did not understand what it was they were signing. Clients have disputed the debt and are seeking assistance in defending themselves in the lawsuit. The case is currently in Los Angeles Superior Court but, based on the location of the parties and where the contract was entered into, venue should be able to be transferred to Orange County.
*Response to Complaint due THIS WEEK*
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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.
Potential Affordable Housing Advocacy, PLC 17-103TBD
A local landlord is evicting a large number of low-income individuals from its property. PLC believes these tenants are, at a minimum, entitled to relocation assistance, and possibly additional relief from either the landlord and/or the city. PLC is seeking to co-counsel with an attorney or law firm to ensure that the tenants received whatever financial assistance they may be entitled to as a result of the displacements.
Email Directing Attorney Ugochi Anaebere-Nicholson
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Arts Education) - Trademark, PLC 17-1039080
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide choreography and dance instruction to underprivileged children. The organization has recently relocated to Orange County from out of state, and is developing a strong local and social media presence. Client is concerned about misuse of its logo, and seeks legal assistance with protecting its logo and slogan.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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No cases at this time.
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VETERANS
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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.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17-1038218
Client is a 44 year old veteran with an "Other than Honorable" discharge. Client was discharged for drug use, but client never failed a drug test and records do not indicate any failed drug test. Client has continuously been employed, has two children in a domestic partnership, and participates in volunteer activities. Client would like assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Probate Dispute, PLC 17-103TBD
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*
Amendment to Revocable Living Trust, PLC 17-1038545
Clients are a married couple in their 80s. They have served as foster parents to approximately 100 children over the last 20 years. They seek assistance with amending their Revocable Living Trust which was established many years ago. While their beneficiaries will remain the same, they seek to adjust the amount that each beneficiary will receive. There are no issues with either client's capacity.
Revocable Living Trust, Estate Planning, PLC 17E-1038382
Client is single and has no children. Client seeks assistance established a Revocable Living Trust. His major asset is real property that he owns. Client would like to name as one of his beneficiaries a well-known Orange County charitable organization.
Estate Planning Documents, PLC 17-1037336
Clients are a married couple in their late 50s. They have very little income, and rely on family members to help them pay their bills. Clients have been together many years, but only married in the last decade. Prior to marriage, Husband purchased a home and Wife is not on title. Clients would like to ensure that if something happens to Husband, the house will pass to Wife, and would therefore like assistance preparing estate planning documents to ensure an easier transfer of the property.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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