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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,
As Thanksgiving approaches, here are a few fun facts to keep in mind: 1) an estimated 45 million turkeys are consumed each year on Thanksgiving, 2) the average consumer will spend $608.06 on Black Friday and 3) 52% of consumers will purchase something that they will later regret. If you would like to do something you will surely not regret, here are a variety of cases available for our volunteers to take on. As usual, our clients have a variety of different needs, including:
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Transactional needs, including contract review cases for low-income entrepreneurs;
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Litigation cases in state and federal court, for issues such as housing, consumer rights, health care and family law;
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Cases requesting immigration relief for low-income Orange County residents, requesting relief for survivors of serious crimes, for trafficking victims and for others eligible for deportation defense; and
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Specialized cases, like wills and trusts, conservatorships and bankruptcies.
Also consider joining Public Law Center in collaboration with the New Americans Campaign and OCCORD at our upcoming naturalization fairs on Wednesday, November 28
th
, and Wednesday, December 5
th
, at OCCORD at 13252 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, 92805! The legal volunteer shift is from 3pm-8pm. It's another wonderful opportunity to help eligible legal permanent residents apply for their citizenship before the New Year! Online training will be forwarded to all volunteers. Please register here:
http://bit.ly/Natz1128
to reserve your spot
!
With all of these cases, our clients are seeking pro bono representation to do what they can to make a better life for themselves, their family and their community. We hope you can find the time to take on a case and make an impact in our Orange County community!
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Sincerely,
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Carlos Mojica,
Community Organizations
Legal Assistance Project & Pro Bono,
Public Law Center
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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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ADOPTIONS
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1043636
Client is in her mid-50s with approximately $40,000 in unsecured debt. Additionally, client was the victim of fraud where she lost a significant sum of money. Client is seeking assistance in filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy so that she can get a fresh start and move on with her life.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1043297
Client, a monolingual Spanish speaker, is in her mid-50s with approximately $11,000 in unsecured debt. A creditor has already obtained a judgment against her and she fears having her wages garnished. Client is a the legal guardian to her grandchildren and needs her entire paycheck to support her two grandchildren. Additionally, Client was previously the victim of fraud and identity theft. Client is seeking assistance in filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1042205
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker with approximately $30,000 of unsecured debt. A creditor has already obtained a judgment against client and she fears having her wages garnished. Client depends on her entire paycheck to support her family because she is a single mom and sole provider for her four minor daughters. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to discharge her debts in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 18-1044266/18-1044268
Client's 91-year-old father has late stage Alzheimer's disease. Client is seeking to establish a general conservatorship of the person of his father only (not the estate). Client's father had not executed any form of estate planning when he had capacity. Client and client's mother both care for client's father, but without having legal authority to act, it has been getting more difficult to facilitate care. Client would like his mother to be named co-conservator.
Amendment to Living Trust, and Advance Health Care Directive, PLC 18E-1043453
Client is a 68-year old man living with a medical condition. Client previously executed a Living Trust and Advance Health Care Directive with PLC's assistance. However, client has since married and would like to update both documents. The primary changes client requests are: (1) to change the trustee/executor of his will to his spouse; (2) to name an alternate trustee/executor; and (3) to designate his spouse as the agent authorized to make health care decisions on his behalf in the event he is unable to do so.
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1043229
Proposed conservatee is a human trafficking client and needs a conservatorship in order to move forward with the T-visa application. She needs constant medical attention, supervision and assistance with daily activities. Client, and proposed conservator, is the sister of proposed conservatee. All family members' whereabouts are known.
*Client is monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Equal Justice Works Crime Victims Justice Corps Fellow Precious Odum
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CONSUMER
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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.
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CONTRACTS
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Small Business - Contracts, PLC 18-1044624
Client is a low income entrepreneur offering copywriting services. Client is expanding the business to include public relations and social media services, and seeks legal assistance drafting client contracts.
Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
Small Business - Contracts, PLC 18-1044626
Client is a low income entrepreneur who has started a video production company. Client seeks legal assistance drafting contracts for client and independent contractors.
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CUSTODY
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Custody, PLC 18E-1039672
Client is an English speaker and mother of two young girls. Client and her daughter are both disabled and hard of hearing. Client was the victim of domestic violence and requests assistance with a Request for Order modifying the custody and visitation order against the aggressor.
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DISSOLUTION
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Divorce without Children, PLC 18-1044601
Client is a survivor of domestic violence seeking assistance with a divorce from a high-income earning husband. Public Law Center was able to assist her with Step 1, but client seeks assistance with dissolution steps 2 and 3. There are no children in common.
December 2018 Divorce Trial with Child, PLC 18-1044605
Client is permanently and fully disabled with a minor child. Client seeks assistance with an upcoming dissolution trial in mid-December. Contentious custody issues arose after a family tragedy. Please contact for details.
Judgment Enforcement, PLC 18-1044749
Client is a 49-year-old single parent caring for two minor children and an adult disabled child. Dissolution judgment was entered in 2015 and included a Smith-Ostler support order. Public Law Center has assisted client with writing a letter to the opposing party, but is unable to provide further assistance. Client seeks representation for Judgment enforcement.
Divorce with Minor Child, PLC 18-1044736
Client is a single parent of one minor child, and the survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by the opposing party. The client was referred to the self-help center for assistance with a dissolution response, but the client seeks representation for the rest of the dissolution matter.
Divorce with Minor Child, PLC 18-1044737
Client is a single parent of one minor child, and the survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by the opposing party. The opposing party was also recently arrested for domestic violence against a different party, and is believed to abuse crystal meth. Client seeks representation in the dissolution matter.
Putative Spouse Divorce, PLC 18-1044739
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by the opposing party, who has a record of domestic violence against other partners. Client recently learned that the opposing party failed to divorce a prior spouse prior to marrying the client. Client seeks assistance with a putative spouse divorce. A spousal support and attorney's fees hearing is set for early February 2019.
Dissolution - Post-Judgment Issues, PLC 18-1043131
Client is an unemployed woman receiving Short Term Disability with a minor child, an older teen. The disability payments will end soon, but Client is still unable to work. She is a survivor of domestic violence committed by her ex-husband, who is the father of the minor child. Client's ex-husband has started to withhold visits from her, contrary to the parties' divorce Judgment. The adverse party filed a Request for Order regarding custody, visitation, termination of child support, termination of spousal support, and an accounting for a retirement fund listed in the parties' Judgment. Both parties had retirement funds listed in the Judgment, but no QDRO was ever prepared. Client would like an accounting of the retirement funds listed in the Adverse's name.
Post-Judgment Trial on Reserved Issues, PLC 18E-1042492
Client is in her early 50s, has a minor child and is a survivor of domestic violence. A dissolution Judgment was entered in her case almost 11 years ago. Division of the opposing party's retirement account was reserved, and the opposing party's business was never addressed in the Judgment. Client seeks assistance with a Request for Order to divide the opposing party's retirement account and business.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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Guardianship, PLC 18E-1043261
Client is an English speaker over the age of 60. She is a paternal grandmother who has been barred from seeing her 8 grandchildren by their caretaker, who is the children's maternal grandmother. The grandchildren are currently under the care of the maternal grandmother because the client's son passed away in 2016, and the biological mother lost custody of the children. Client has always had constant communication with her grandchildren, but the maternal grandmother has made it difficult to the point of denying the children the opportunity to spend time with their paternal grandmother at all. Client wants to be involved in her grandchildren lives, given her advanced age and the loss of her son.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Home Improvement Mechanic's Lien, PLC 18-104TBD
Client is over the age of 60 and lives with her adult son who has a disability. She was recently sued by a contractor on a mechanic's lien. Client believes the mechanic's lien was improper and also disputes that the work was ever completed. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit, protecting her home and possibly pursuing an affirmative case against the contractor.
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IMMIGRATION
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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*
Removal Defense and Asylum, PLC 18-1042807
Client and her family fled their country due to receiving threats of violence and death threats by the local criminal enterprise. They are devout evangelical Christians and they believe they were targeted for this reason. They have their second Immigration Court hearing on
November 9, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.
at the Los Angeles Immigration Court, at which time they would need to file initial paperwork to request asylum. They will have a follow-up hearing at an unknown date in 2019-2020 for the Immigration Judge to hear their testimony.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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Nonprofit (Health Resources) - Trademark Registration, PLC 18-1044619
Client is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) pending) whose mission is to provide resources and support for patients who are living with diabetes and their families. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its name and logo.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Retaliation, PLC 18-1043451
After a change in ownership at Client's apartment complex, the new owner of the apartment complex began renting the units on a short term basis, which had not been the case before. Client made continuous complaints to management about the noise issues from the short-term renters. After making a complaint to the City, Client received a notice terminating his tenancy and a notice increasing his rent. Client eventually vacated his unit, but would now like to sue the landlord for retaliation, breach of contract, improper withholding of his security deposit, and any other appropriate claims. Client would like to file a limited civil case to assert his rights and recover any damages to which he may be entitled.
Wrongful Eviction, PLC 18-1043071
Client is in his 50s and was subletting a room in the Adverse Party's apartment. Within two months of beginning to live there, Client was unlawfully locked out of the apartment by Adverse Party, which has caused Client significant expense and has damaged his credit, making it more difficult for Client to find stable housing again. Client sued the Adverse Party for wrongful eviction. Adverse Party filed an Answer and has now filed a motion seeking leave to file a cross complaint for alleged unpaid rent. Client is currently working on amending his complaint and would like to find a pro bono attorney to represent him in the case.
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LITIGATION
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Judgment Enforcement, PLC 18-1044749
Client is a 49-year-old single parent caring for two minor children and an adult disabled child. Dissolution judgment was entered in 2015 and included a Smith-Ostler support order. Public Law Center has assisted client with writing a letter to the opposing party, but is unable to provide further assistance. Client seeks representation for Judgment enforcement.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Retaliation, PLC 18-1043451
After a change in ownership at Client's apartment complex, the new owner of the apartment complex began renting the units on a short term basis, which had not been the case before. Client made continuous complaints to management about the noise issues from the short-term renters. After making a complaint to the City, Client received a notice terminating his tenancy and a notice increasing his rent. Client eventually vacated his unit, but would now like to sue the landlord for retaliation, breach of contract, improper withholding of his security deposit, and any other appropriate claims. Client would like to file a limited civil case to assert his rights and recover any damages to which he may be entitled.
Wrongful Eviction, PLC 18-1043071
Client is in his 50s and was subletting a room in the Adverse Party's apartment. Within two months of beginning to live there, Client was unlawfully locked out of the apartment by Adverse Party, which has caused Client significant expense and has damaged his credit, making it more difficult for Client to find stable housing again. Client sued the Adverse Party for wrongful eviction. Adverse Party filed an Answer and has now filed a motion seeking leave to file a cross complaint for alleged unpaid rent. Client is currently working on amending his complaint and would like to find a pro bono attorney to represent him in the case.
Email Staff Attorney Richard Walker
Home Improvement Mechanic's Lien, PLC 18-104TBD
Client is over the age of 60 and lives with her adult son who has a disability. She was recently sued by a contractor on a mechanic's lien. Client believes the mechanic's lien was improper and also disputes that the work was ever completed. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit, protecting her home and possibly pursuing an affirmative case against the contractor.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Health Resources) - Trademark Registration, PLC 18-1044619
Client is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) pending) whose mission is to provide resources and support for patients who are living with diabetes and their families. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its name and logo.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business - Contracts, PLC 18-1044624
Client is a low income entrepreneur offering copywriting services. Client is expanding the business to include public relations and social media services, and seeks legal assistance drafting client contracts.
Small Business - Contracts, PLC 18-1044626
Client is a low income entrepreneur who has started a video production company. Client seeks legal assistance drafting contracts for client and independent contractors.
Small Business - Corporate Tax/Compliance Advice, PLC 18-104153
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting an technology consulting business. Client formed an LLC, which is classified as a Minority & Women Owned Business, in August 2018. As she is getting her business up and running, client seeks legal advice and counsel on a number of tax and compliance related matters, including selecting the appropriate tax classification (partnership vs corporation) and tax implications involved in providing services outside of California.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Amendment to Living Trust and Advance Health Care Directive, PLC 18E-1043453
Client is a 68-year old man living with a medical condition. Client previously executed a Living Trust and Advance Health Care Directive with PLC's assistance. However, client has since married and would like to update both documents. The primary changes client requests are: (1) to change the trustee/executor of his will to his spouse; (2) to name an alternate trustee/executor; and (3) to designate his spouse as the agent authorized to make health care decisions on his behalf in the event he is unable to do so.
Revocable Living Trust, PLC 18-1043207
Clients are a married couple who own a townhome. They would like to set up a revocable living trust to ensure that their property is distributed to their adult children when the children reach a certain, more responsible age. Clients also seek to create accompanying powers of attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives.
*Clients primarily speak Spanish*
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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