June 19, 2018



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PRACTICE AREAS




SAVE  THE DATE
 
PRO BONO
GUARDIANSHIP
TRAINING

August 6, 2018
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

at the Orange County Bar Association



































Greetings,

I was so happy to see so many of you at the Volunteers for Justice dinner last Thursday. It was an inspirational evening, and such a pleasure to hear Justice Kruger speak. If you were able to join us, we are so grateful. And if you missed it, don't worry - we'll post the videos and photos online and do it all again next year! 

I do want to give a special shout-out to some folks who I know use the case list regularly - our honorees! Congratulations again to our Law Firm of the Year, O'Melveny & Meyers LLP (joining Ken and me in this photo are O'Melveny's Brett Williamson, Rochelle Karr and David Lash), and  Attorney of the Year, Kristopher Wood of Orrick (joining our Dinner Co-Chairs Dan Robinson and Christy Lea, Board President Mike Ermer, and Ken in this  photo). Congratulations also to The California Endowment, our Community Partner of the Year.

Feeling motivated? The current cases we have available are varied, including an unlawful detainer that is likely to go to trial within the next few weeks, an estate planning case for an elderly woman, and a dissolution for a single mother who fears for her child's safety and is specifically seeking help with a law and motion issue.

Our clients do not generally get to come to the Volunteers for Justice dinner, but every time I speak to a client about their experience with a volunteer attorney, I hear how grateful, lucky and in awe they are that they were able to obtain the services of such a dedicated, skilled and compassionate person. I hope you all realize what a difference you make in our clients' lives, and hopefully you are motivated to take on another case or attend another clinic in the near future. We look forward to working with you!




Sincerely, 
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs







We Make Pro Bono Easy!
 
PLC is here to support you in your pro bono representation.
Did you know that PLC staff can:
  • Answer questions you may have related to your case;
  • Provide a mentor to help you;
  • Supply you with samples and manuals in many areas of the law;
  • Review documents and pleadings;
  • Provide interpretation support in Spanish and Vietnamese;
  • Arrange office space for you to meet with your client at PLC; and
  • Provide malpractice coverage for your PLC pro bono case 

Please contact Leigh Ferrin with any questions.

APPEALS
 
No cases at this time.
BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy, PLC 17E-1039379
Client is a low-income debtor in her 40s. She has just under $50,000 of unsecured debt. Client stopped paying into her debts last year when she could no longer afford to do so. She fears getting sued and eventually getting her wages garnished and bank account levied. Client seeks the assistance of a volunteer attorney to help her file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy so she could obtain a fresh start.

Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1041535
Client is in her mid-60s. She  has approximately $35,000 of unsecured debt. Client stopped paying into her debts last year after she was diagnosed with a serious health condition and was forced to take a year off work. Now that client's health is improving, she seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help her file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and obtain a fresh start.

Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1042004
Client is a low-income debtor in his mid-20s. He has approximately $85,000 of unsecured debt that he can no longer afford to pay into on his low income. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help him discharge his debts through a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1041522
Client is in his late 60s. He is on a fixed income and cannot afford to repay his nearly $30,000 of unsecured debt. Client's debts cause him tremendous stress and negatively impact his physical well-being. He seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to help him file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.    

Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1040229
Client has about $35,000 of unsecured debt. Client took out the majority of her debts at the request of her husband, expecting that he would assist with repaying them. Now that client is a single mother and does not have her husband's support, she finds it impossible to repay the debts on her income alone. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*

Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037627
Client is an monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 40s with a little under $15,000 of unsecured debt. Client provides for her two young daughters and can no longer afford to support her family while continuing to pay her debts. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
BENEFITS

Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 18-1040381
Client is in his late-40s and suffers from a delicate medical condition. He has been receiving SSDI benefits for over 10 years. At a recent SSDI medical examination, client was questioned for a few minutes by a physician who has never treated him before. Shortly thereafter, client received notice that his SSDI benefits have terminated. Client appealed immediately and is seeking legal representation in his administrative appeal.
Email Lead Staff Attorney Manohar "Mark" Sukumar

Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
CONSERVATORSHIP

Conservatorship, PLC 18-1041771
Client has two autistic adult-children. They have developmental delay and encounter social difficulties in their daily living. Client is their primary caretaker and is being required to present proof of decision-making authority on her their behalves, especially regarding their medical care and education. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Conservatorship, PLC 18E-1041388
Client's daughter has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Her daughter is a consumer of the Regional Center of Orange County. Client states that her daughter cannot make informed medical decisions on her own. Client seeks to start the conservatorship process as soon as possible, as her daughter will turn 18 in November. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.

Conservatorship, PLC 18-1041613
Proposed conservatee has been diagnosed with epilepsy and has mild intellectual delay. While she is verbal and can communicate with others outside of her family, she needs constant supervision and assistance with everyday activities. Clients are her parents and seek to be her co-conservators. All family members' whereabouts are known. 
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
CONSUMER 

Car Deficiency Collection Defense, PLC 18E-1040212
Client is in her 50s who has been sued by a third-party debt collector to recover a deficiency balance allegedly owed on a car. Although Client's first language is not English, the notices regarding the sale of the car and deficiency balance allegedly owed appear to be only in English. PLC assisted Client with a response to the lawsuit and Client now seeks assistance resolving this matter so that she can move forward and protect her wages. Client seeks to rescind the contract on which the plaintiff's lawsuit is based and have the lawsuit dismissed.
*Case Management Conference is set for early June 2018*
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Gonzalez

Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.
 
Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*

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.
CONTRACTS 
 
No cases at this time.
CUSTODY
 
No cases at this time.
DISABILITY RIGHTS

Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 18-1040381
Client is in his late-40s and suffers from a delicate medical condition. He has been receiving SSDI benefits for over 10 years. At a recent SSDI medical examination, client was questioned for a few minutes by a physician who has never treated him before. Shortly thereafter, client received notice that his SSDI benefits have terminated. Client appealed immediately and is seeking legal representation in his administrative appeal.
Email Lead Staff Attorney Manohar "Mark" Sukumar

Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
DISSOLUTION 

Dissolution, PLC 18E-104TBD
Client is the mother of a young girl whose safety she believes may be at risk. The father of the child has filed a dissolution action and obtained a default. Client is extremely worried about the custody issues because she believes her daughter will be in danger while visiting her father A default was entered against Client and she has filed a Motion to Vacate the judgment. Client would like assistance at the hearing, which is in mid-July.

Dissolution, PLC 18-1039666
Client has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease (which limits her speech capacity) and wants help with initiating her divorce. Client's sister is currently her care taker as the husband has abused and neglected the client (sister is currently trying to obtain conservatorship as well). The client's primary concern is having at least visitation with her children as the husband has disappeared and has not allowed Client to have any contact with the minor children.
 
Divorce, PLC 17-1039138
Client is seeking assistance finalizing her divorce case that has been ongoing for about nine years. Client will be asking for spousal support and part-ownership of, or income from, a business owned by Client's spouse, as well as a house outside of the country. Client and spouse also have debts that are community property that need resolving.
EMPLOYMENT
 
No cases at this time.
GUARDIANSHIP

No cases at this time.
HOMEOWNERSHIP 

No cases at this time.
IMMIGRATION 
 
Asylum (affirmative), PLC 18E-1042296
Client is a fluent English speaker from Nigeria who is LGBTQ. He is in the U.S. lawfully on a non-immigrant visa. He would like help applying for asylum on the basis of his sexual orientation, given that homosexuality is outlawed in his native country and persecution of LGBTQ individuals is officially sanctioned. He must file his asylum application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by January of 2019. He was referred to PLC by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

VAWA and U-Visa, PLC 18E-1040292 
Client is in her early 30s and is a single mother of four U.S. Citizen children, ranging in age from 17 to 2 years old. She is a survivor of physical and emotional abuse by her Legal Permanent Resident husband. In addition, her 17-year-old daughter was the victim of sexual abuse by client's father-in-law several years ago. Both client and her daughter are going to therapy.  
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker* 

U-Visa, PLC 18E-1042317
Client is a single mother of two who suffered from years of severe domestic violence at the hands of her partner. In 2017, her abusive partner drove his car into her car while she was calling 911 against him. Client survived the assault and her partner was convicted of domestic violence.
*Client speaks English and Spanish*
*Client has obtained a signed U Visa certification (the first step in her case), which will expire in early November 2018.*

U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038911 & 18-1040304

Client is a teenager and is currently a student in high school. She lives with and depends on her mother who is also in immigration proceedings. Client would like assistance in filling a u-visa as a victim of an attempted kidnapping. Client's mother and her 13 year old sibling in her home country will be derivatives.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers* 

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* 
Email Staff Attorney Diana Spix

U-Visa, PLC 17-1038265, 17-1038266 and 17-1038267
Client is in her late 30s and is currently on disability due to pregnancy. Her monthly income consists of food stamps and child support, and her highest level of education is high school. She does not have any illnesses. She has two undocumented children and three USC children. Client is seeking assistance with filing a U-Visa petition for herself and her two undocumented children because she was the victim of a crime. A request for a U-Visa certification is pending with law enforcement.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY   
 
Small Business (Medical) - Intellectual Property, PLC 18-1042207
Client is a low-income medical professional who has developed a mobile app to provide resources for patients. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with how best to protect his intellectual property interests in the app.

Nonprofit (Youth Sports) - Trademark/Copyright, PLC 18-104
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help at-risk youth develop character through experiential sports-based learning. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its program name. Client also seeks legal advice on obtaining intellectual property protection of its curriculum and materials.
LANDLORD / TENANT

Wrongful Eviction, PLC 18E-1042009
Client is a transgender woman with mobility disabilities who is currently living in a homeless shelter. More than a year ago, Client moved into a room and board facility and signed a month-to-month lease. After moving in, the landlord requested that he be paid directly from Client's benefits. Client declined to do this and the landlord then removed her belongings from her unit, locked her out, and drove her to a motel, where he paid for a one night stay. Client would like to sue the landlord for wrongful eviction.
Email Staff Attorney Jonathan Gibson
 
Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18E-1041740
Clients live in a mobilehome park in Orange County, and in February their rent check bounced. They were sent a couple of notices, but primarily speak Spanish and did not understand the notices. The clients attempted to pay the amounts owed, after requesting a statement from the park, with a check, but the park would not accept the payment. The clients own their mobilehome and are very motivated to resolve this issue with the landlord. The 60-day notice to vacate just recently expired, and Clients would like assistance defending the forthcoming unlawful detainer case that the park will likely file. PLC believes Clients have defenses to any unlawful detainer proceeding. 

Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18E-1041690
When Client purchased his mobilehome more than 10 years ago, there were issues with the title to the home. Client has attempted to resolve this dispute multiple times over the past 10 years but has not been successful. Client believed he had permission from the management company for the park to withhold a portion of rent until the issue was resolved, which was a reasonable assumption. After accepting Client's checks but not cashing them for a number of months, Client was served with two 3-day notices and a 60-day notice. Client would like to remain in his mobilehome and wishes to resolve this issue with the park, which he believes is possible. The 60-day notice expires in mid-May, however, and Client would like assistance defending an anticipated unlawful detainer.

Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
LITIGATION 

Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953 
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.    

Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin

Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
NAME CHANGE

No cases at this time.
NONPROFIT

Nonprofit - Independent Contractor/Employee Classification, PLC 18-1042210
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent and abolish human trafficking. Client is considering hiring independent contractors for its program implementation but requires legal advice and guidance to ensure that they are classified correctly.

Nonprofit (Youth Sports) - Trademark/Copyright, PLC 18-104
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help at-risk youth develop character through experiential sports-based learning. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of its program name. Client also seeks legal advice on obtaining intellectual property protection of its curriculum and materials.
RESTRAINING ORDER 
 
Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039361
Client is a member of a protected class and has been relentlessly harassed by a third party. Client continues to receive hundreds of unsolicited calls, messages and threats of defamation, making it difficult for him to get through each day. Client seeks pro bono representation in obtaining a civil harassment restraining order as soon as possible.
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
SMALL BUSINESS 

Small Business (Medical) - Intellectual Property, PLC 18-1042207
Client is a low-income medical professional who has developed a mobile app to provide resources for patients. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with how best to protect his intellectual property interests in the app.

Small Business (Apparel) - Contracts, PLC 18-1040634
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is operating her design business as a sole proprietorship. Client is currently working informally with another individual to manufacture her designs. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting an agreement to formalize the business relationship and to ensure that client maintains ownership of her designs.
SPECIAL EDUCATION 
 
No cases at this time.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
 
No cases at this time.
VETERANS

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17E-1038509
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 20s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. After almost three years of service, Client was separated with a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge for failure to meet weight standards. Prior to separation, a military psychiatrist opined that Client's mental health issues may contribute to weight gain. Client's commanding officer initially recommended separation with an Honorable characterization. However, two months later, a new officer took command and recommended character of discharge the client ultimately received.

Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035674
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 30s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. The veteran enlisted prior to his 18th birthday. After four years of service, including deployment overseas, the veteran extended his enlistment contract for another two years. However, shortly after extending his contract, he had a lapse in judgment that resulted in separation with a General under Honorable Conditions discharge for "misconduct." The veteran is interested in a discharge upgrade so that he can receive GI Bill benefits and improve his employment prospects.
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WILLS & ESTATES 

Revocable Living Trust, Estate Planning, PLC 18E-1042298
Client is a widow in her 90s.  She seeks assistance establishing a Revocable Living Trust. Client's major asset is real property she owns. She would like to name her children as beneficiaries.

Probate Litigation, PLC 17-1039099
 
Client has been involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She believes the current administrator of the estate may not be acting in the best interest of the estate or of the beneficiary, and that he may be breaching his fiduciary duty. She seeks assistance removing the current administrator and preserving the primary asset of the estate.
*Hearing set in Early June 2018*

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