Public Law Center Case List
October 16, 2013

2013 pro bono week logo w dates

 

Please join PLC at one or more of our upcoming events in celebration of Pro Bono Week!

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

 

   Pro Bono Training: Expungements for Veterans

 

Make a commitment to our Veteran community by joining PLC at this 1 unit CLE training on expungements for Veterans.  This training is FREE in exchange for a

pro bono requirement

 

          Registration: 5.30 pm; Training 6.00 - 7.00 pm

                         

For additional information and to REGISTER 

 

 Wednesday, October 23, 2013

 

Volunteer Appreciation Reception

 

From 6 - 8 pm

The Studio at Royce, Irvine 

 

Celebrate the amazing work of PLC's volunteers by attending this reception in honor of 

our pro bono team.  

 

This event is by invite only.  Invitation to follow.

 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

 

PLC's Young Professionals Group, in partnership with the OC Lavender Bar Association, presents:  

1st Annual

HALLOWEEN BASH! 

A fundraiser to benefit the work of PLC.

 

Compete with your colleagues for best costume

Relax and unwind while supporting a good cause

Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres by Mesa

 

                               The fun starts at 6 pm.

                                     Tickets: $30

 

                         More info and buy tickets

 

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?

 

Please contact Kirsten Kreymann with any questions.

 

Practice Areas
Adoption
Bankruptcy
Benefits
Child Custody & Visitation
Conservatorship
Consumer
Contracts
Disability Rights
Dissolution
Education
Employment
Guardianship
Homeownership
Immigration
Landlord/Tenant
Litigation
Name Change
Nonprofit
Small Business
Special Education
Veterans
Wills & Estates
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Taking a Case 
Pro Bono 
 

ADOPTION

Adoption, PLC 13-1027354
Client is a 36 year old Spanish speaker who seeks help adopting her 15 year old step-son for whom she has cared since he was eight months old. Client is married to minor's biological father and they share four children together. Mother's whereabouts are unknown.

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton 


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BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1027864  

Client is a young woman in her late 20s. She has close to $100,000 of unsecured debt, including private student loans. Client is permanently disabled and cannot afford to make payments on her debts. Client would like assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her unsecured debts. PLC is exploring the possibility of discharging Client's student loans and would be interested in co-counseling on the Adversary Proceeding.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1027865  

Clients are a young married couple with two young children. Due to under-employment and unemployment, they are unable to keep up with payments on their unsecured debts and would like assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1027459  

Client is a single mother in her 40s who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has some credit card debt and likely dischargeable tax debt, along with significant student loan debt. Client would like assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case to allow her to complete one more step in her recovery. PLC is exploring the possibility of discharging Client's student loans and would be interested in co-counseling on the Adversary Proceeding. 

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1026698  

Client is permanently disabled and receives only SSDI. Client would like to purchase a machine that would have a significant positive impact on his health but is unable to obtain credit due to his over $50,000 of unsecured debt. Client would like to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to clear his dischargeable debt so that he can eventually purchase the machine.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1027483  

Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in his 40s. He is currently working to support his family but is not making enough to cover his bills. He has a lawsuit pending as a result of a car repossession. Client would like to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge his unsecured debts.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 


Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1027427 

Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her mid-60s and has over $20,000 in unsecured debt.  She has recently been sued by a third-party debt collector.  She owns her home but has no equity in her home.  She would like assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her unsecured debts and protect her home from liens.  
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Bankruptcy, PLC 13-1026930  

Client and his wife are in their 40s. They have significant credit card debt, they owe some back taxes and have some foreclosure-related debt. The husband is currently on unemployment but is planning to work in the near future. Client and wife are monolingual Spanish speakers.  They seek assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

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BENEFITS

No cases at this time. 

 

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CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION 

Custody, PLC 13-1026940  

Client seeks help preventing ex-spouse from expanding visitation with the couple's minor children. Client won restraining orders in Colorado and California after spouse tried to stab her and her children. Although spouse lives out-of-state, his parents live in southern California and he suggests that his parents supervise visitation. Client, however, states the children are still very afraid of their father and father has not complied with some preliminary forms of contact suggested by the children's therapist. Client believes there is a possibility father may try to abduct the children.

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

  

Custody, PLC 13-1027777  

Client is a nineteen year old who seeks help obtaining sole legal and sole physical custody of her four year old child. (The minor's parents never filed for a custody order.) Minor's father suffers from ongoing substance abuse. Father says he will consent.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

 

Custody, PLC 13-1027781  

Thirty-one year old client seeks modification of custody orders. Presently father has physical custody of two minor children and client has visitation with children every other weekend. Client would either like to obtain physical custody of children or increased visitation.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton 

   

Custody, PLC 13-1027779  

Client is a 51 year old who seeks to modify custody of her 14 year old son. Client originally had physical custody of her son. The minor suffers from ADHD and client was having a hard time controlling his behavior. Client and ex-husband decided to let son live with father for a year. Client had visitation with son. Client now believes it would be in child's best interest for parents to share a 50-50 timeshare.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton 

   

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CONSERVATORSHIP  

Limited Conservatorship, PLC 13-1027664
Clients are the parents of an 18 year old son who has down syndrome. Clients would like assistance getting a limited conservatorship over their son. Clients speak Vietnamese.
Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren

Conservatorship, PLC 1027624

Client is a thirty-eight year old Spanish speaker who seeks conservatorship of her son who suffers from autism and moderate mental retardation. Son is nonverbal and cannot care for his daily needs.
Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

 

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CONSUMER

Dependent Adult Financial Abuse, PLC 13-1027691  

Client, a female in her 50s, was the victim of dependent adult financial abuse perpetrated by three individuals. The individuals unduly influenced Client to open credit accounts in her name and finance purchases retained by the perpetrators. The perpetrators also stole tens of thousands of dollars from Client. Client is being sued as a result of one of the accounts opened in her name and needs assistance getting the lawsuit dismissed. Two of the perpetrators have been arrested and are facing various felony charges. 

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Elder Abuse and Breach of Contract, PLC 13-1027074  

Client is an elderly and seriously ill disabled Army veteran. Throughout client's illness, his relatives offered to let him move into their home and Client agreed to pay them a monthly stipend for groceries. Client agreed to help build an additional room in the house and gave relatives $160,000, contingent on their promise to allow Client to live in the room until he passed on. Thereafter client discovered the relatives were signing checks and removing money from his bank account. When he revealed his discovery, the relatives demanded client leave the home. Client seeks assistance in recovering the money he put into the home as well as the money stolen from his bank account. 

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta  

 

Tuition Underpayment and Debt Assistance, PLC 13-1027074  

Client is a 26 year-old Army Veteran using his GI Bill to attend a for-profit educational institution. Despite the university's assurances that the cost of his education would be covered by the GI Bill and by scholarship funds from the university, client has accrued considerable debt at the university that will prevent him from graduating on time. Due to client's debt, university has applied grant funding meant for client's living expenses to client's debt to the university. Client believes the university has committed administrative errors in failing to report to the VA that he is attending courses, resulting in repeated under-payments by the VA to the university. Client needs advocacy assistance in dealing with unresponsive administrators.

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta

Prosecution of Loan Modification/Foreclosure Relief Scam, PLC 13-1026697
Client is a primarily Spanish-speaking male in his 30s who, along with his family, was the victim of a loan modification/foreclosure rescue scam.  Client lost the home in which he was raising his family as well as tens of thousands of dollars as a result of the scam.  Client seeks assistance with preparing and filing a lawsuit against the individual and related companies that perpetrated the scam in an effort to recover the funds he lost, and to stop the individual and related companies from victimizing others.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

 

Elder Financial Abuse and Homeownership, PLC 13-1026407

Client is in her early 90s and has been diagnosed with a mental illness a couple of years ago.  Within the last ten years, Client had family members living with her in the home that she owns.  Those family members and their friends were verbally and physically abusive.  Additionally, those family members and friends took out a loan against Client's home and added themselves to the deed to the home.  Client and her daughter would like assistance undoing the damage done by the family members and friends.
  
Collections Defense, PLC 13-1026927
Client is in her 60s and has been sued by a creditor for an amount that she does not owe.  She has filed an answer and now is responding to discovery.  Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1027125

Client was sued by a creditor for a credit card debt that he did not open. Client filed an answer in pro per and has responded to discovery. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit so that he is not liable for a debt that he does not owe. Client primarily speaks Spanish.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1027102  

Client is an English-speaking male in his 50s who is being sued to collect payment for a household item. The item stopped working a few months after it was purchased. Client filed an answer on his own but seeks assistance defending the lawsuit.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin  

  

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1026894
Client is a 40-year old English-speaking female who is unemployed. Client is being sued by a collection agency to collect on an unsecured debt. Client filed an Answer on her own but needs assistance responding to discovery, defending the case and communicating with opposing counsel.  

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

 

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CONTRACTS

Small Business - Breach of Contract, PLC 13-1027750  

Client is attempting to sell his small business. He entered into a contract with a potential buyer recently but after paying a deposit, the buyer backed out. The potential buyer is now suing him to return the deposit. Client would like advice regarding his possible claims against the potential buyer and his ability to pursue a new buyer for the business, as well as guidance on defending the lawsuit. *Hearing on lawsuit is in late October 2013*

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Homeowner's Association Dispute, PLC 13-1027746  

Client is in her 80s and owns a home in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). The Client and HOA disagree about who should maintain landscaping on and around Client's property. Client signed a settlement agreement but believes she signed it under duress. Client would like assistance undoing the settlement agreement and reaching a reasonable agreement with the HOA, or obtaining declaratory relief that she has no duty to maintain the disputed area.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

 
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DISABILITY RIGHTS

Disability Rights/Civil Rights,  PLC 11-1021356  

Client is the HIV+ divorced father of a young girl, awarded full legal and physical custody of the child.  Mom, a fleeing felon, has posted on the internet father's HIV status plus inappropriate video of the child at a very young age, including partially nude photos.  Mother is possibly in Indonesia with her boyfriend.  In order to get posting removed from blog a court order/judgment is required.  Client seeks assistance in asserting claim of wrongful publication of private facts, and related claims.  

Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren 

  

Disability Rights, PLC 13-1027185  

Client seeks representation in order to stop future violations of disability rights, as well as any other remedies to which he may be entitled.  Client is 59 year old male who is HIV positive. He was referred to a group living facility and upon moving in the manager pointed out that client is HIV positive. The manager later disclosed the client's HIV status to other residents who also confronted him. Client has left the facility.  

Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren 

 

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DISSOLUTION

Dissolution, PLC 1301026850  

Client is a 33 year old Spanish speaker who seeks help completing the dissolution of her 10 year marriage. She was a victim of domestic violence. Client seeks sole legal and sole physical custody of her four minor children. Client says there are no community assets or debts to divide.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton   

  

Dissolution, PLC 13-1027603  

Thirty-six year old monolingual Japanese speaker seeks assistance in setting aside a default dissolution judgment obtained by her ex-spouse. Client says she was never served with dissolution papers so she did not respond. Client is the victim of domestic violence and she filed for a restraining order. The temporary restraining order will remain in place until a hearing in February 2014.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton 

 

Dissolution, PLC 13-1026964  

Client seeks help dissolving her 9 month marriage. There are no children of the marriage. Client states she is a victim of domestic violence. There is no community debt. Client is unclear about the existence of community assets but she is acquiring possible evidence.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton   

 

Dissolution, PLC 13-1027543  

Forty-three year old client seeks help dissolving her twenty-five year marriage. Client is a victim of domestic violence. Client and spouse share two minor children and client would like to obtain sole legal and sole physical custody. Community assets include two cars, a possible retirement plan, a desktop, and a laptop. Community debt includes car payments and a debt to a retail chain.  

Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton  

Dissolution, PLC 13-1026922   
 

Client seeks help dissolving her marriage of over 14 years. Client won a five year restraining order against spouse for domestic violence in 2013. The couple shares four children. Community property may include a business, a house, retirements accounts, stocks, and cars. Client does not believe there is any community debt.
Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

Dissolution, PLC 13-1027057 
 

Client seeks help completing her dissolution. Client and spouse separated in 2009 after 21 years of marriage. Client was the victim of domestic violence. Spouse filed for dissolution in 2012 and client responded. Community property includes property in the Philippines, an import/export business, cars, a piano, and a federal retirement plan. Community debt might include tax debt. There are no minor children.
Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton 

 

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EDUCATION

No cases at this time.


Top 

EMPLOYMENT

Nonprofit - Employment Law Litigation, PLC 13-1027767  

Client is a nonprofit veterans organization who is in litigation with a former employee. The employee, who was a manager of one of the organization's thrift shops, is claiming that client owes him unpaid overtime. Client seeks legal assistance with its defense in this lawsuit. 

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou

 

Judgment Collections, PLC 12-1023491, 1023492, 1023493  

Clients are monolingual Spanish speaking laborers who would like assistance enforcing their judgments. Clients were all recently awarded large settlements against their former employer for unpaid wages by the Labor Commissioner but now need help collecting the money.  

Email Staff Attorney Amy Mejia  

 

Judgment Collection, PLC 13-1026025
Client is a Spanish monolingual speaker who needs assistance in enforcing a $5,000 judgment against a former employer for unpaid wages in July 2009.  The California Labor Commission awarded the client with this judgment for unpaid wages.  Client is in great need for this money because he is currently unemployed and has no income.  He has been relying on borrowed money from friends and family.
Email Staff Attorney Ingrid Arriaga 

 

Judgment Collection, PLC 13-1027856               

Client was awarded a $10,000 judgment in April 2011 for unpaid vacation time.  The client worked for his former employer from 1997-2009 where he accrued vacation and was never compensated for it.  The day of the hearing the former employer failed to appear and judgment was entered against him.  The client needs assistance in collecting this judgment because he is struggling to support a family of five.

Contact Staff Attorney Ingrid Arriaga 

 

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GUARDIANSHIP

Guardianship, PLC 13-1027778
Client, the paternal grandmother, seeks guardianship of her three year old grandson. Mother is homeless and will consent to the guardianship. Father is incarcerated.
Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

Guardianship, PLC 13-1027154
Client is a 36 year old Spanish speaker who seeks help acquiring guardianship of two grandsons. Client is the paternal grandmother. Mother's whereabouts are unknown and father is incarcerated.
Email Lead Attorney Cynthia Holton

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HOMEOWNERSHIP

Homeownership, PLC 13-1027822  

Client is an elderly woman with severe health problems. The family who owns the condo above her had a leaking pipe, which caused significant black mold in client's home. The mold has greatly exacerbated client's respiratory problems. The family has fixed the leak and removed the mold from their home, but refuse to pay for the repairs needed in client's home. Client seeks legal assistance to compel the homeowners to pay for the removal of the mold.

Email Staff Attorney Zeenat Hassan 

 

Partition Action, 13-1027491  

Client owns an interest in the home in which he lives along with his family members. His family members have filed a partition action to sell the house. Client has filed an answer but would like assistance defending the case to ensure that he receives his fair share of the proceeds.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Homeowner's Association Dispute, PLC 13-1027746  

Client is in her 80s and owns a home in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). The Client and HOA disagree about who should maintain landscaping on and around Client's property. Client signed a settlement agreement but believes she signed it under duress. Client would like assistance undoing the settlement agreement and reaching a reasonable agreement with the HOA, or obtaining declaratory relief that she has no duty to maintain the disputed area.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Homeownership/Quiet Title, PLC 13-1027481  

Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her 60s. She unknowingly transferred title to her home out of her name a few years ago, but just recently discovered that she had done so. Client is now being evicted from her home. Client would like assistance filing a quiet title action so that she can remain in her home. Client can provide her own translation.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

  

Elder Financial Abuse and Homeownership, PLC 13-1026407

Client is in her early 90s and has been diagnosed with a mental illness a couple of years ago.  Within the last ten years, Client had family members living with her in the home that she owns.  Those family members and their friends were verbally and physically abusive.  Additionally, those family members and friends took out a loan against Client's home and added themselves to the deed to the home.  Client and her daughter would like assistance undoing the damage done by the family members and friends.
IMMIGRATION

Affirmative Asylum, PLC  13-1027838  Client is a male in his 30's who seeks assistance filing for Affirmative Asylum with the USCIS Anaheim Asylum Office. Client suffered persecution in El Salvador on account of his sexual orientation. Client's asylum application must be filed before August of 2014. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Lead Attorney Joyce Noche


T Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 11-1022581
Client is a woman in her 40's who seeks assistance with an Adjustment of Status application based on the previous granting of a T visa. Client and her two children were victims of human trafficking. Client was cooperative with law enforcement and adverse pled guilty to criminal confinement and intimidation. Client and her children are  eligible to adjust their status and must do so by a deadline in May of 2014.
Email Lead Attorney Joyce Noche 

 

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LANDLORD / TENANT

Security Deposit, PLC 13-1027479 

Client's landlord refuses to return a $1950 security deposit after a fire erupted in the rental unit.  The vent in the kitchen caught on fire while the client and her small children were at home.  The fire department was called and they tagged the unit and required the family to evacuate. Client had been living on the property for 19 months.  During that period the client notified the landlord several times about the vent malfunctioning but the landlord failed to make adequate repairs.  The landlord is also charging the client an additional $200 for additional damage.   

Email Staff Attorney Ingrid Arriaga   

 

Breach of Lease Agreement, PLC 13-1027089 

Client is a US Veteran who entered into a lease agreement with a roommate.  The roommate subsequently moved out prior to the expiration of the lease agreement and client seeks a consultation about his rights against his former roommate and possible assistance with resolution along with information about what ramifications may result if he is unable to pay the full rent to the Landlord.  
Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta
 
Breach of Lease Agreement, PLC 13-1027172 

Client is a US Veteran who is living in subsidized housing and having multiple issues with his landlord.  The Landlord has issued an "amendment" to the lease that client does not agree with. Client seeks a consultation with an attorney to discuss his rights and potential remedies.
Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta   

 

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LITIGATION

Dependent Adult Financial Abuse, PLC 13-1027691  

Client, a female in her 50s, was the victim of dependent adult financial abuse perpetrated by three individuals. The individuals unduly influenced Client to open credit accounts in her name and finance purchases retained by the perpetrators. The perpetrators also stole tens of thousands of dollars from Client. Client is being sued as a result of one of the accounts opened in her name and needs assistance getting the lawsuit dismissed. Two of the perpetrators have been arrested and are facing various felony charges.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Partition Action, 13-1027491

Client owns an interest in the home in which he lives along with his family members. His family members have filed a partition action to sell the house. Client has filed an answer but would like assistance defending the case to ensure that he receives his fair share of the proceeds. 

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin 

 

Nonprofit - Employment Law Litigation, PLC 13-1027767  

Client is a nonprofit veterans organization who is in litigation with a former employee. The employee, who was a manager of one of the organization's thrift shops, is claiming that client owes him unpaid overtime. Client seeks legal assistance with its defense in this lawsuit. *Hearing on a demurrer is scheduled for October 1, 2013.*

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Breach of Contract, PLC 13-1027750  

Client is attempting to sell his small business. He entered into a contract with a potential buyer recently but after paying a deposit, the buyer backed out. The potential buyer is now suing him to return the deposit. Client would like advice regarding his possible claims against the potential buyer and his ability to pursue a new buyer for the business, as well as guidance on defending the lawsuit. *Hearing on lawsuit is in late October 2013*

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Cable Communications Act Defense, PLC 13-1027601  
Clients are a mainly Korean-speaking couple who own and operate a small restaurant in Westminster. Clients were sued in federal court for allegedly violating the Cable Communications Act of 1984 and related statutes. Clients have filed Motions to Set Aside Default Judgment in Pro Se and are seeking assistance with defending this lawsuit.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

 

Homeowner's Association Dispute, PLC 13-1027746  

Client is in her 80s and owns a home in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). The Client and HOA disagree about who should maintain landscaping on and around Client's property. Client signed a settlement agreement but believes she signed it under duress. Client would like assistance undoing the settlement agreement and reaching a reasonable agreement with the HOA, or obtaining declaratory relief that she has no duty to maintain the disputed area.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Prosecution of Loan Modification/Foreclosure Relief Scam, PLC 13-1026697
Client is a primarily Spanish-speaking male in his 30s who, along with his family, was the victim of a loan modification/foreclosure rescue scam.  Client lost the home in which he was raising his family as well as tens of thousands of dollars as a result of the scam.  Client seeks assistance with preparing and filing a lawsuit against the individual and related companies that perpetrated the scam in an effort to recover the funds he lost, and to stop the individual and related companies from victimizing others.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin
  
Elder Financial Abuse and Homeownership, PLC 13-1026407
Client is in her early 90s and has been diagnosed with a mental illness a couple of years ago.  Within the last ten years, Client had family members living with her in the home that she owns.  Those family members and their friends were verbally and physically abusive.  Additionally, those family members and friends took out a loan against Client's home and added themselves to the deed to the home.  Client and her daughter would like assistance undoing the damage done by the family members and friends.

Disability Rights/Civil Rights,  PLC 11-1021356  

Client is the HIV+ divorced father of a young girl, awarded full legal and physical custody of the child.  Mom, a fleeing felon, has posted on the internet father's HIV status plus inappropriate video of the child at a very young age, including partially nude photos.  Mother is possibly in Indonesia with her boyfriend.  In order to get posting removed from blog a court order/judgment is required.  Client seeks assistance in asserting claim of wrongful publication of private facts, and related claims.

Amendment of Naturalization Certificate, PLC 13-1027749
Client filed a District Court action requesting an Order amending her naturalization certificate. Client seeks assistance with possible discovery and with conducting mediation before January 2014.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1026927
Client is in her 60s and has been sued by a creditor for an amount that she does not owe.  She has filed an answer and now is responding to discovery.  Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1027125

Client was sued by a creditor for a credit card debt that he did not open. Client filed an answer in pro per and has responded to discovery. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit so that he is not liable for a debt that he does not owe. Client primarily speaks Spanish.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1027102  

Client is a male in his 50s who is being sued to collect payment for a household item. The item stopped working a few months after it was purchased. Client filed an answer on his own but seeks assistance defending the lawsuit.

Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin  

Collections Defense, PLC 13-1026894
Client is a 40-year old English-speaking female who is unemployed. Client is being sued by a collection agency to collect on an unsecured debt. Client filed an Answer on her own but needs assistance responding to discovery, defending the case and communicating with opposing counsel.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin  

NAME CHANGE

Legal Gender Change, PLC 13-1027770
Client is a transgender woman who previously obtained a legal name change but did not have her gender legally changed. Client would like assistance obtaining a legal gender change through the court.
Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren

 

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NONPROFIT

Nonprofit - Trademark Infringement Litigation, PLC 13-1027768  

Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to teach underserved children how to live healthy and successful lives. Despite receiving a cease and desist letter and attempts at a licensing agreement, another organization continues to unlawfully use the client's logo. Client intends to send a takedown notice to remove the logo from the infringing party's website. In the event that the other party sends a counter-notice, client seeks legal assistance with filing a lawsuit based on the infringement.
Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou  

 

Nonprofit - Employment Law Litigation, PLC 13-1027767  

Client is a nonprofit veterans organization who is in litigation with a former employee. The employee, who was a manager of one of the organization's thrift shops, is claiming that client owes him unpaid overtime. Client seeks legal assistance with its defense in this lawsuit. 

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou   

 

Nonprofit - Start-Up, PLC 13-1027669  

Client is a start-up nonprofit organization based in Orange County whose mission is to help villages in Indonesia meet their water-related needs, primarily through water tank construction and distribution of rehydration packs. Client seeks legal assistance with incorporation and obtaining tax-exempt status. 

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou

Nonprofit - Start-Up, PLC 13-1027670
Client is a start-up nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve access to higher education in California. Client seeks legal assistance with developing the nonprofit's structure, as well as incorporation and obtaining tax-exempt status.
Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou

 

Nonprofit - Bylaws Review, PLC 13-1027220  

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization formed for the purpose of serving residents of Villa Park by planning, organizing, and conducting various public participation community events.  Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing the language of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to evaluate whether they are consistent with the organization's current management and purposes. Client also seeks advice regarding the governing structure of the organization.   

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

SMALL BUSINESS

Small Business - Start-up, PLC 13-1025532  

Client is a family-run small catering business that wishes to expand and possibly incorporate. Client seeks legal advice regarding structuring the business and possible assistance with incorporation.

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Breach of Contract, PLC 13-1027750  

Client is attempting to sell his small business. He entered into a contract with a potential buyer recently but after paying a deposit, the buyer backed out. The potential buyer is now suing him to return the deposit. Client would like advice regarding his possible claims against the potential buyer and his ability to pursue a new buyer for the business, as well as guidance on defending the lawsuit. *Hearing on lawsuit is in late October 2013*

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Contracts, PLC 13-1027621 

Client is a veteran-owned small business owner who intends to start a tow truck business. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing standard management contracts. Client has also requested advice with regard to towing laws and regulations. 

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Veterans' Small Business Certification, PLC 13-1027671

Client is a veteran-owned small business owner who was recently denied certification as a service-disabled veteran owned small business by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing an eligibility protest or, alternatively, reapplying as an individual.

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou   

 

Small Business - Cable Communications Act Defense, PLC 13-1027601
Clients are a mainly Korean-speaking couple who own and operate a small restaurant in Westminster. Clients were sued in federal court for allegedly violating the Cable Communications Act of 1984 and related statutes. Clients have filed Motions to Set Aside Default Judgment in Pro Se and are seeking assistance with defending this lawsuit.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin  

  

Small Business - Board of Equalization Sales Tax Collection, PLC 13-1026220   

Client, a single mother, closed her small business in 2011. Client is currently attempting to dispute a tax liability imposed by the Board of Equalization on funds that were not the result of sales, and needs assistance working with the Board of Equalization to correct the information.
Email Lead Attorney Leigh Ferrin

 

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SPECIAL EDUCATION

No cases at this time.

 

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VETERANS

Elder Abuse and Breach of Contract, PLC 13-1027074  

Client is an elderly and seriously ill disabled Army veteran. Throughout client's illness, his relatives offered to let him move into their home and Client agreed to pay them a monthly stipend for groceries. Client agreed to help build an additional room in the house and gave relatives $160,000, contingent on their promise to allow Client to live in the room until he passed on. Thereafter client discovered the relatives were signing checks and removing money from his bank account. When he revealed his discovery, the relatives demanded client leave the home. Client seeks assistance in recovering the money he put into the home as well as the money stolen from his bank account. 

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta 

 

Tuition Underpayment and Debt Assistance, PLC 13-1027074  

Client is a 26 year-old Army Veteran using his GI Bill to attend a for-profit educational institution. Despite the university's assurances that the cost of his education would be covered by the GI Bill and by scholarship funds from the university, client has accrued considerable debt at the university that will prevent him from graduating on time. Due to client's debt, university has applied grant funding meant for client's living expenses to client's debt to the university. Client believes the university has committed administrative errors in failing to report to the VA that he is attending courses, resulting in repeated under-payments by the VA to the university. Client needs advocacy assistance in dealing with unresponsive administrators.

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta 

 

Small Business - Contracts, PLC 13-1027621 

Client is a veteran-owned small business owner who intends to start a tow truck business. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing standard management contracts. Client has also requested advice with regard to towing laws and regulations.

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou 

 

Small Business - Veterans' Small Business Certification, PLC 13-1027671

Client is a veteran-owned small business owner who was recently denied certification as a service-disabled veteran owned small business by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing an eligibility protest or, alternatively, reapplying as an individual.

Email Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou  

  

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 13-1026012

Client is a US Veteran who was stationed in Iraq as an assaultman in demolitions. Client was injured and sent to a different platoon where he states he was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by his supervisors.  Client started abusing drugs and substances to cope with the situation and attemped suicide twice before being discharged under Other than Honorable Conditions.  Client seeks assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta

  

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 12-1025335
Client is a female Veteran who suffered a brain injury and sexual assault while in the military.  As a result, after almost three years of service, client started acting out and received a bad conduct discharge. Client seeks assistance from a VA accredited attorney in upgrading her military discharge status so that she can access benefits to get the help that she needs.
Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta 

  

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 13-1025803

Client is a male Veteran who suffered from alcohol and substance abuse in his late teens which came about during and after his enlistment in the Navy.  Client's file indicates that while at sea he would work 18-20 hours per day and was under significant stress. Client's records also indicate that he was punished at least once and forced to sit down for three days with only bread and water.  During his discharge proceedings, client was evaluated by a medical doctor who stated client did not have a problem with alcohol and was therefore not recommended for rehabilitation. Client's personal discharge statement indicated that he was abusing to deal with stress.  Client was subsequently discharged under Other than Honorable Conditions and now seeks assistance from counsel in upgrading his military discharge status so that he can access benefits to get the help that he needs. 

Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta 

   

Breach of Lease Agreement, PLC 13-1027089
Client is a US Veteran who entered into a lease agreement with a roommate.  The roommate subsequently moved out prior to the expiration of the lease agreement and client seeks a consultation about his rights against his former roommate and possible assistance with resolution along with information about what ramifications may result if he is unable to pay the full rent to the landlord.  
Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta
 
Breach of Lease Agreement, PLC 13-1027172
Client is a US Veteran who is living in subsidized housing and having multiple issues with his landlord.  The landlord has issued an "amendment" to the lease that client does not agree with. Client seeks a consultation with an attorney to discuss his rights and potential remedies.
Email Staff Attorney Antoinette Naddour Balta   


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WILLS & ESTATES

Estate Planning, PLC 13-1027794

Clients are a couple in their 60s who would like assistance with estate planning. Clients own a home but otherwise have very little assets. Clients would like to leave their home to their family but are concerned about the Medi-cal estate recovery program. Clients would like to work with an attorney who is familiar with this issue.

Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren

 

Special Needs Trust, Advance Healthcare Directive, Power of Attorney, PLC 13-1027793

Client is a widower in her 60s who would like assistance with a special needs trust. Client owns a home that she would like to be sold upon her death to take care of her disabled adult son. Client does not have any other assets. Client would also like an advance health care directive and power of attorney.

Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren

 

Amendments to Estate Plan, PLC 13-1027301
Client is a man in his 40s who is living with a serious illness. Client received help from PLC many years ago in drafting his original estate planning documents; however, due to changes in the family, client would like to make some updates and amendments.  
Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren

Trust Amendment, PLC 13-1027518
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 80s who seeks assistance amending her existing trust documents to replace one of her two trustees.
Email Senior Lead Attorney Leslie Lindgren
 
Probate/Trust Dispute, PLC 13-1027018  
Client is a 51 year old woman who needs the assistance of an attorney who can help enforce a trust set up by her mother. Client's mother passed away in 2010 and client was named as a beneficiary of the trust, with her sister named as the trustee. Sister has not given client any of the income of the trust, and has ignored requests for accounting of trust contents or updates of any kind. Client seeks both compliance with the terms of the trust and back pay for the year of no income payments. 

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