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Make a donation
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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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One of the things that I appreciate most about the work that we do at PLC is that we get to work with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. As with most attorneys, we see people when they are in very difficult, uncomfortable situations; our clients trust us to guide them to a safer place.
Many of our clients seeking assistance on this list are either survivors of domestic violence or they are individuals living with physical or mental disabilities. They are seeking assistance with divorce, immigration relief, disability benefits, and protection from abuse. In addition, non-profit health providers who assist these same clients - survivors and people with disabilities - are also seeking assistance.
While all of PLC's clients are worthy of assistance, those who are survivors of violence or who are living with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and in need of counsel. We hope one of these cases catches your eye, and we look forward to working with you!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin
Directing Attorney,
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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;
- 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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Adoption, PLC 19-1049150
Client is monolingual Spanish speaker seeking to adopt her granddaughter, for whom she has been caring for the past 11 years. Client recently adopted the minor's biological brother through a dependency case. PLC anticipates that this matter will be uncontested.
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APPEALS
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Appeal of Debt Collection Judgment, PLC 19E-1049063
Client is in her 20s and seeks assistance appealing a judgment entered in against her. Client disputes the debt and believes the pre-trial collection efforts and the pleadings in the trial court case contained errors which impacted her ability to defend herself. In addition, Client believes the trial court erred in multiple ways during the trial. Client has filed the notice of appeal and designation of the record in pro per, and seeks assistance with the remainder of the appeal, including with the opening brief.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 19E-1047667
Client is in her late-50s with approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker. Client wants to protect her income so that she can support herself and she hopes that filing for bankruptcy will give her the opportunity to move on with her life and get a fresh start.
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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 19E-1048686
Client has been diagnosed with both physical and mental health issues that make it extremely difficult to work. Client receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently determined that Client is now well enough to work. SSA is proposing to terminate Client's SSDI benefits, which could result in him also losing Medicare health coverage. Client appealed and has a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge in early March 2020. Client is in need of representation to ensure he has a fair hearing.
Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1048992
Client is an English speaking mother of two. Her adult-son was born with a rare birth defect that caused significant developmental delay. He is non-verbal and, although he has learned how to do many activities independently, he still requires constant supervision and care. His mother is seeking a limited conservatorship over his person, specifically to make medical decisions on his behalf and authorize medical procedures he may soon need. Client and her adult-daughter seek to be co-conservators.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20E-1049177
Client is a father of twins born with developmental disabilities. The twins are enrolled in a Special Education program and are consumers of the Regional Center of Orange County. Client seeks to establish a limited conservatorship over their persons so that he can continue helping them with making important decisions as adults. Client would like the twins' mother to be co-conservator.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1048884
Clients are parents to an 18 year old daughter who has Down syndrome. Their daughter is non-verbal but her parents can identify her needs. Clients seek to establish a limited conservatorship of her person, specifically to sign contracts and make medical decisions on her behalf. Due to her age, their daughter's medical provider (a pediatrician) will soon change and clients wish to have decision-making authority by then. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
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CONSUMER
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Affirmative Litigation - Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 19E-1047194
Clients are a couple who purchased a used vehicle in the hopes of having reliable transportation for their family, including young children. Despite assurances of reliability from the dealership, within a one month of their purchase, the vehicle became inoperable. Clients seek assistance bringing an affirmative claim against the dealership in order to recover damages they incurred as a result of the purchase.
Appeal of Debt Collection Judgment, PLC 19E-1049063
Client is in her 20s and seeks assistance appealing a judgment entered in against her. Client disputes the debt and believes the pre-trial collection efforts and the pleadings in the trial court case contained errors which impacted her ability to defend herself. In addition, Client believes the trial court erred in multiple ways during the trial. Client has filed the notice of appeal and designation of the record in pro per, and seeks assistance with the remainder of the appeal, including with the opening brief.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 19E-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late October 2020*
Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1045659
Client is a Spanish-speaking female in her 40s. Client recently discovered a default judgment was entered in against her several years ago. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper, and there appear to be additional procedural deficiencies with the case. Client seeks assistance setting aside the default judgment because she disputes the debt and believes procedural deficiencies provide a basis to dismiss the case.
Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1047000
Client is a single mother in her 50s. She recently received notice of a wage garnishment for a case she did not realize had been filed against her. Client's claim of exemption was partially granted. Client cannot afford any money being garnished from her wages and disputes the validity of the debt that formed the basis of the default judgment against her. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper. Client seeks assistance vacating the default judgment so that she can end the wage garnishment and defend herself on the merits.
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CONTRACTS
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Affirmative Litigation - Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 19E-1047194
Clients are a couple who purchased a used vehicle in the hopes of having reliable transportation for their family, including young children. Despite assurances of reliability from the dealership, within a one month of their purchase, the vehicle became inoperable. Clients seek assistance bringing an affirmative claim against the dealership in order to recover damages they incurred as a result of the purchase.
Nonprofit (Food Security) - Contracts, PLC 19-1048956
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate food insecurity in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a Memorandum of Understanding with another nonprofit to provide a feeding program at their site.
Small Business (Music Production) - Intellectual Property/Contracts, PLC 19-1048955
Client is low-income entrepreneur involved in music production. Client seeks legal advice and counsel regarding copyright protection for music produced by the business, as well as legal assistance with reviewing potential recording contracts.
Transfer of Personal Property - Contracts - PLC 19-1048651
Client resides in a mobile home that she purchased with the help of her sister multiple years ago. Client paid the down payment and has made all loan payments and rent payments since the mobile home was purchased. Sister's name is on all loan documents and on the title for the mobile home because Client did not have sufficient credit to qualify for the purchase of the mobile home. Client would now like to sell her mobile home and move. Sister may have capacity issues, and Client's nephew (Sister's son) has Power of Attorney. Client needs assistance drafting an agreement with Nephew on behalf of Sister for the sale of the mobile home.
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DISABILITY
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Affirmative Litigation - Elder Financial Abuse, PLC 19-1049070
Client is in her late 80s and is the victim of elder financial abuse. In order to have the financial ability to care for her medical and housing needs, it is necessary to file an affirmative action to recover the real and personal property stolen from her. The individuals who took these assets still control them, and some recovery appears likely.
Elder Financial Abuse, PLC 18E-1042818
Client is a senior who has disabilities. He was defrauded by two people who he trusted by following their faulty "investment" advice and lost a significant amount of money. Charges were filed against one of the parties, and our client was awarded restitution as part of the plea agreement. Client would like assistance with two things: collecting on the restitution order obtained by the District Attorney, including pursuing potentially transferred assets, and pursuing a civil action against the second party who was not criminally charged. All actions took place in Los Angeles County, so any litigation would need to occur in Los Angeles.
Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 19E-1048686
Client has been diagnosed with both physical and mental health issues that make it extremely difficult to work. Client receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently determined that Client is now well enough to work. SSA is proposing to terminate Client's SSDI benefits, which could result in him also losing Medicare health coverage. Client appealed and has a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge in early March 2020. Client is in need of representation to ensure he has a fair hearing.
Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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DISSOLUTION
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Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children. Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency.
Dissolution, PLC 19-1047091
Client is a single parent of special needs child who seeks representation in divorce proceeding including issues regarding breach of fiduciary duty, violation of ATRO's, and adverse party's multiple retirement accounts. At Issue Memorandum will be filed but trial has not yet been set.
Dissolution, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged. PLC is assisting the client with a custodial move-away request.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Preserve Safe and Healthy Housing for Seniors, PLC 19E-1047068
Clients reside in a senior mobilehome park and are experiencing serious health effects from vapor intrusion and toxic contamination of the soil and groundwater beneath the park caused by local industry. DTSC has already issued a report identifying the contamination. Clients are seeking to have the contamination cleaned up and to receive compensation for the loss in value of their property and the health effects they have experienced.
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IMMIGRATION
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Client is in his early 30s. He is gay and living with a long-term illness. While he has an asylum claim, he needs to overcome a statute of limitations issue, but we believe he can do that based on the client's mental health issues, corroborated by a mental health provider. Client would like representation in his asylum claim to be able to remain in the United States and continue his mental health treatment.
Defensive Asylum, PLC 19E-1045885/19-1045895
Clients are a couple that fled their home country with their young daughter after armed men threatened them with harm because they failed to vote for a certain political candidate. The family was paroled into the U.S. in late 2018. Clients are seeking assistance with their defensive asylum case, and each would like to include their daughter on their asylum applications.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Immigration/Domestic Violence (VAWA), PLC 19-1048854
Client is living in a domestic violence shelter after escaping an abusive marriage with her US Citizen husband. Her husband was emotionally and financially abusive; he also forced client to care for his disabled mother full-time without pay. Client seeks assistance in applying for legal permanent residence as the abused spouse of a U.S. Citizen under VAWA. She is the sole applicant.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 19E-1048728
Client is a 23-year-old DACA recipient who has survived domestic violence by her ex-partner. With her help in the investigation and prosecution, her ex-partner was convicted of domestic battery and violation of a protective order. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 19-1048856
Client was the victim of domestic violence for years by the father of her children. She reported the abuse to the police and obtained a protective order, which her abusive partner violated on multiple occasions. She is the single mother of two U.S. Citizen children who is seeking help with a U-Visa to be able to find better job opportunities and provide a better life for her children. She is the sole applicant (no derivatives).
*Client is primarily a Spanish speaker*
Petition to Remove Conditional Permanent Residence, PLC 19-1045566
Client is in his late 30s early-40s and is currently employed. Client's prior partner filed a family based petition on the client's behalf and he was granted Conditional Permanent Residence for a 2 year period. During their marriage, client suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his husband. He is now seeking assistance in filing a petition to remove the condition based on being "battered or abused" by his partner. Successfully removing this condition will prevent the client from losing his permanent resident status.
*Client primarily speaks Vietnamese*
VAWA, PLC 19-1048492
Client is a single mother of two U.S. Citizen children, who is the survivor of years of emotional and physical abuse by her U.S. Citizen spouse. Client is in therapy and attending a parenting group for survivors of domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with submitting a self-petition and application for adjustment of status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
VAWA, PLC 19-1048565
Client is in her early 70's. She survived domestic violence at the hands of her U.S. Citizen spouse and obtained restraining order against him. Client would like assistance in filing a VAWA self-petition and Adjustment of Status.
*Client is monolingual Spanish speaker*
VAWA, PLC 19-1046677
Client is in her early 50's. She is the victim of verbal and mental abuse by her US Citizen Spouse, who often calls her names and uses her immigration status as a threat. Her previous application for adjustment was denied because he would not go to the interview. Client has not reported him to the police in fear of her immigration status and is in the process of seperating. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a VAWA self-petition and Adjustment of Status.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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Nonprofit (Personal Safety) - Intellectual Property, PLC 19-1049168
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate individuals, groups and agencies in personal safety and self-defense. Client is expanding its programs and seeks legal advice and guidance on copyright issues relating to its training curriculum.
Nonprofit (Vocational Training) - Intellectual Property, PLC 19-1048954
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce development services and programs to assist workers displaced by automation. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with how to best protect the organization's intellectual property, including their logo and educational curriculum.
Small Business (Music Production) - Intellectual Property/Contracts, PLC 19-1048955
Client is low-income entrepreneur involved in music production. Client seeks legal advice and counsel regarding copyright protection for music produced by the business, as well as legal assistance with reviewing potential recording contracts.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
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LITIGATION
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Affirmative Litigation - Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 19E-1047194
Clients are a couple who purchased a used vehicle in the hopes of having reliable transportation for their family, including young children. Despite assurances of reliability from the dealership, within a one month of their purchase, the vehicle became inoperable. Clients seek assistance bringing an affirmative claim against the dealership in order to recover damages they incurred as a result of the purchase.
Affirmative Litigation - Elder Financial Abuse, PLC 19-1049070
Client is in her late 80s and is the victim of elder financial abuse. In order to have the financial ability to care for her medical and housing needs, it is necessary to file an affirmative action to recover the real and personal property stolen from her. The individuals who took these assets still control them, and some recovery appears likely.
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 19E-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late October 2020*
Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children.
*Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency*
Dissolution, PLC 19-1047091
Client is a single parent of special needs child who seeks representation in divorce proceeding including issues regarding breach of fiduciary duty, violation of ATRO's, and adverse party's multiple retirement accounts. At Issue Memorandum will be filed but trial has not yet been set.
Elder Financial Abuse, PLC 18E-1042818
Client is a senior who has disabilities. He was defrauded by two people who he trusted by following their faulty "investment" advice and lost a significant amount of money. Charges were filed against one of the parties, and our client was awarded restitution as part of the plea agreement. Client would like assistance with two things: collecting on the restitution order obtained by the District Attorney, including pursuing potentially transferred assets, and pursuing a civil action against the second party who was not criminally charged. All actions took place in Los Angeles County, so any litigation would need to occur in Los Angeles.
Immigration/Domestic Violence (VAWA), PLC 19-1048854
Client is living in a domestic violence shelter after escaping an abusive marriage with her US Citizen husband. Her husband was emotionally and financially abusive; he also forced client to care for his disabled mother full-time without pay. Client seeks assistance in applying for legal permanent residence as the abused spouse of a U.S. Citizen under VAWA. She is the sole applicant.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Nonprofit (Mental Health) - Litigation Defense, PLC 20-1049362
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide services to individuals living with mental illness in Orange County. Client was recently sued regarding issues that have previously been dealt with. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit, ensuring it remains able to provide necessary services in the county.
Preserve Safe and Healthy Housing for Seniors, PLC 19E-1047068
Clients reside in a senior mobilehome park and are experiencing serious health effects from vapor intrusion and toxic contamination of the soil and groundwater beneath the park caused by local industry. DTSC has already issued a report identifying the contamination. Clients are seeking to have the contamination cleaned up and to receive compensation for the loss in value of their property and the health effects they have experienced.
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NON-PROFIT
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Nonprofit (Community Development) - Board Manual, PLC 19-1048953
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote equitable community and civic engagement in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing their current board manual and governance policies.
Nonprofit (Food Security) - Contracts, PLC 19-1048956
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate food insecurity in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a Memorandum of Understanding with another nonprofit to provide a feeding program at their site.
Nonprofit (Mental Health) - Corporate Formation, PLC 19-1049110
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide services to people living with chronic disease. In order to continue delivering mental health counseling services, client needs to form an affiliated California Professional Corporation. Client seeks legal assistance with forming the the new corporation and establishing the appropriate subsidiary structure between the two entities.
Nonprofit (Mental Health) - Litigation Defense, PLC 20-1049362
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide services to individuals living with mental illness in Orange County. Client was recently sued regarding issues that have previously been dealt with. Client would like assistance defending the lawsuit, ensuring it remains able to provide necessary services in the county.
Nonprofit (Personal Safety) - Intellectual Property, PLC 19-1049168
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate individuals, groups and agencies in personal safety and self-defense. Client is expanding its programs and seeks legal advice and guidance on copyright issues relating to its training curriculum.
Nonprofit (Vocational Training) - Intellectual Property, PLC 19-1048954
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce development services and programs to assist workers displaced by automation. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with how to best protect the organization's intellectual property, including their logo and educational curriculum.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Music Production) - Intellectual Property/Contracts, PLC 19-1048955
Client is low-income entrepreneur involved in music production. Client seeks legal advice and counsel regarding copyright protection for music produced by the business, as well as legal assistance with reviewing potential recording contracts.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
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Special Education, PLC 20-1049448
Client's son is a middle schooler at a public school in Orange County. He has an IEP and generally enjoys learning and studying. However, he experiences extreme bullying by his peers at school who torment him for, among other things, his physical appearance. This has caused severe distress for him and for Client, who has had to leave work multiple times to pick him up from school. Client has tried to advocate for her son but feels that her voice is not being heard by the school or the district. Client's goal is to try to improve the school's conditions, especially for special needs students like her son, and Client seeks pro bono help.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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SUPPORT
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No cases at this time.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Special Needs Trust, PLC 20-1049447
Older client seeks to create an Estate Plan/Special Needs Trust so that her developmentally-disabled son will be taken care of when she passes away. Client's son is non-verbal and has the mental capacity of a young child. For this reason, he cannot be gainfully employed and she worries about his future when she is no longer around. He receives public benefits which Client hopes he will continue to receive in his future, despite what she will leave him in her estate.
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Public Law Center
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Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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