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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,
THANK YOU!!! This week is ABA Pro Bono Week, and it is our chance to express our gratitude to all of you, our tireless, dedicated volunteers, for all that you have done and continue to do for our clients.
Every day I am inspired and motivated by our volunteers. Yesterday I was at our guardianship clinic where an entire in-house legal department was volunteering to assist our low-income litigants. A few weeks ago, we learned of an outstanding jury verdict in a dependent adult abuse case achieved by a trio of wonderful volunteer attorneys. And last week, I had three new volunteers reach out to find out how they could get involved with our immigration unit to ensure our clients have the best possible representation. And those examples are just the tip of the iceberg; there is so much more that our volunteers do, on a daily basis, to assist PLC and our clients.
We appreciate everything that you do, and particularly that you support all of us at PLC in our mission to achieve access to justice for all low-income Orange County residents.
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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;
- 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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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.
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-1047570
Client seeks a limited conservatorship over the person of her 30 year old son who has a developmental disability. Client's son has very limited intellectual functioning and relies on Client for most, if not all, of his care. Client's son works part-time at a restaurant and receives services from the Regional Center. All 2nd degree relatives are known and have been located. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Conservatorship, PLC TBD
Client is seeks to obtain a conservatorship over her teenage son, who has autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Child is not currently in Client's custody, and Client seeks assistance so that she can ensure her son receives the proper treatment. Client seeks to dispute an investigative report and communicate with the Public Defender in the pending conservatorship case. Hearings are on calendar, although Client has been able to get continuances.
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CONSUMER
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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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Non-Profit (Health Access) - Contracts, PLC 19-1048292
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for underserved multicultural communities. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a standard subcontracts with partner nonprofits, as well as drafting a Memorandum of Understanding between prospective coalition partners.
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CUSTODY
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Custody, PLC 19-1047114
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is receiving government benefits and seeks representation at her custody hearing in September. There is a concurrent criminal domestic violence case and a Criminal Protective Order ("CPO") protecting the minor child, but the Adverse Party seeks to have charges dropped and the CPO terminated prior to the September custody hearing. The court ordered a Child Custody Investigation ("CCI"), and the September hearing will be the return on the CCI.
Dissolution/Custody/Support, 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, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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DISABILITY
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.
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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Motion to Set Aside - Dissolution, PLC 18-1045022
Client is a survivor of domestic violence, and her abuser obtained a default judgment in a dissolution proceeding. PLC assisted the client with filing a motion to set aside the default, and is now seeking a volunteer attorney to represent the client at the hearing on the motion and for the rest of the dissolution proceeding. This was a short-term marriage without children, which should simplify the proceeding.
Divorce with Postnuptial Agreement, PLC
Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency. She is seeking legal assistance for her
dissolution action, particularly with voiding a postnuptial agreement. The agreement was signed on the
same day it was presented to her at the drafting lawyer's office, without the assistance of independent
counsel, over a decade ago at a time when her English proficiency was even more limited than it is at
present. The client has a copy of the agreement for review.
Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial.
Dissolution, PLC 19-1046494
Client was served with a dissolution by his ex-partner, but was overwhelmed with the paperwork and did not file a timely response. A default judgment was entered in the case, and custody determinations were made without him having any say in the matter. Client seeks assistance with a Motion to Vacate and Set Aside Judgment, so that he can fully litigate the custody matters.
Divorce with Postnuptial Agreement, PLC 19-1046839
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
Dissolution/Custody/Support, 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, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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EMPLOYMENT
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Small Business - Employment, PLC 19-1048446
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who operates a business offering home care services. Client seeks legal assistance reviewing the employee handbook and other HR-related documents.
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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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Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 19E-1048267
Client is a single mother of two U.S. citizen children who has survived physical, psychological and emotional domestic violence by her ex-partner. Client reported the abuse to law enforcement and obtained a temporary protective order. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Asylum, PLC 19-104TBD
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*
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*
Email Staff Attorney Diana Spix
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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Small Business - Trademark, PLC 19-1048460
Client is a low-income entrepreneur starting a wholesale fruit and vegetable business. Client seeks legal assistance trademarking the business name and logo.
Small Business - Trademark, PLC 19-1048222
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who operates a consulting business. Client offers marketing and branding services to small business owners, and seeks legal assistance trademarking the business name and logo.
Non-Profit (Health Access) - IP/Copyright, PLC 19-1048293
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for underserved multicultural communities. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on how best to protect its intellectual property in arising from certain training curriculum.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Eviction Defense, PLC 19E-1048428
Client is a mother who has young children. Her apartment has major habitability issues including structural defects and vermin infestation. Client has complained to code enforcement and the health department, but the landlord has taken no steps to correct the problems. When Client withheld rent due to the habit issues, the landlord filed suit to evict Client. Client has requested a jury trial, and would like representation for the trial.
Housing Discrimination, PLC 19E-1048400
Clients are a couple with two young children. Clients were approved to move into an apartment, but after moving in, they were told they could not reside in the apartment because they lacked citizenship status, in violation of California law. Clients were forced to vacate within a week of moving in. Clients would now like to recover their costs and damages as a result of the discrimination and more importantly make sure that the management company does not continue to discriminate against others in the future.
Secure Healthy and Safe Housing for Low-Income Families, PLC 19E-1047632
Clients are residents in a multi-unit apartment complex beset by habitability issues. After complaining and requesting repairs, the clients were served with 60-day notices to quit. Clients seek assistance filing an affirmative action against their landlord for breach of the warranty of habitability and retaliatory eviction.
Preservation of Senior Housing, PLC 19-1046444
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed-incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. The park owner recently changed the way it bills the senior residents, but did not comply with the Mobilehome Residency Law when it did so. Client would like assistance correcting the improper charges and getting reimbursed for the additional money they have already had to pay.
Landlord-Tenant Discrimination, PLC 19E-1046925
Client is a woman with long-term illness who receives Section 8 housing. Her landlord is seeking to evict her, stating that the client is "diseased" and "dirty." The landlord has also disclosed the client's illness to the other roommates, attempted to lock her out of the property, and is currently preventing her from using amenities. Client would like to file an affirmative discrimination case which will likely include related causes of action. She may also need representation with defending an eviction case in the near future.
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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Eviction Defense, PLC 19E-1048428
Client is a mother who has young children. Her apartment has major habitability issues including structural defects and vermin infestation. Client has complained to code enforcement and the health department, but the landlord has taken no steps to correct the problems. When Client withheld rent due to the habit issues, the landlord filed suit to evict Client. Client has requested a jury trial, and would like representation for the trial.
Secure Healthy and Safe Housing for Low-Income Families, PLC 19E-1047632
Clients are residents in a multi-unit apartment complex beset by habitability issues. After complaining and requesting repairs, the clients were served with 60-day notices to quit. Clients seek assistance filing an affirmative action against their landlord for breach of the warranty of habitability and retaliatory eviction.
Client has a professional certification from a professional association that attempts to function as a state agency. That state agency revoked his certification without providing due process. Client is now unable to work in his chosen profession and support his family as a result of the association's revocation of his certification. After the revocation, Client exhausted his administrative remedies and now is forced to file a writ in Superior Court to attempt to preserve his ability to earn a living.
Failure to Maintain Mobilehome Park, PLC 19E-1045424
Clients are seniors who, several years ago, purchased a mobilehome in a senior mobilehome park, where they had hoped to live out their retirement. Since they purchased their homes, the park has had problems leading to damage to the seniors' mobilehomes. The seniors have had to make claims to their insurance as well as pay out of pocket. An independent inspector has determined that problems with the park are what is causing the damage. The senior clients would like assistance addressing the issue with the park, likely through litigation.
Motion to Set Aside - Dissolution, PLC 18-1045022
Client is a survivor of domestic violence, and her abuser obtained a default judgment in a dissolution proceeding. PLC assisted the client with filing a motion to set aside the default, and is now seeking a volunteer attorney to represent the client at the hearing on the motion and for the rest of the dissolution proceeding. This was a short-term marriage without children, which should simplify the proceeding.
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.
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 with Prenuptial Agreement, PLC 19E-1045496
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the
opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either
enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
Email Supervising Attorney Joanna Wong
Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial. No dates have been set.
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NON-PROFIT
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Nonprofit (Housing) - Employment Policies, PLC 19-1047339
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the availability of affordable homes in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing their current employment manual and policies.
Non-Profit (Youth Education Support) - Tax Exemption, PLC 19-1048161
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide underserved Southern California youth with school supplies and educational opportunities. Client has formed a CA Public Benefit Corporation and now seeks legal assistance with applying for federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Health Access) - Contracts, PLC 19-1048292
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for underserved multicultural communities. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a standard subcontracts with partner nonprofits, as well as drafting a Memorandum of Understanding between prospective coalition partners.
Non-Profit (Health Access) - IP/Copyright, PLC 19-1048293
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for underserved multicultural communities. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on how best to protect its intellectual property in arising from certain training curriculum.
Non-Profit (Youth Athletics) - Dissolution, PLC 19-1048291
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide organized athletic programs for local youth. Client is no longer active and seeks legal assistance with dissolving the corporation.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business - Employment, PLC 19-1048446
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who operates a business offering home care services. Client seeks legal assistance reviewing the employee handbook and other HR-related documents.
Small Business - Trademark, PLC 19-1048460
Client is a low-income entrepreneur starting a wholesale fruit and vegetable business. Client seeks legal assistance trademarking the business name and logo.
Small Business - Trademark, PLC 19-1048222
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who operates a consulting business. Client offers marketing and branding services to small business owners, and seeks legal assistance trademarking the business name and logo.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
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No cases at this time.
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SUPPORT
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Dissolution/Custody/Support, 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, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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