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Greetings,
If you have school-age children, you are probably all-in with back-to-school activities. It is both an exciting and stressful time of year. My son started first grade this year, meaning he is now in school for six full hours every day and apparently thinks he can walk himself to school because who needs parents anyway?!??
Kids returning to school is a great reminder that we also can send ourselves "back to school!" More than half of our volunteers take cases that are outside their traditional practice areas. One of the ways we support these volunteers is by identifying training opportunities and manuals. For instance, the Pro Bono Training Institute, created by One Justice, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, has free online trainings in a variety of areas that are relevant to PLC volunteers. Some of the trainings we utilize the most are DACA renewals, Immigration 101, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Housing and Veterans Benefits. Additionally, the Practising Law Institute has a variety of free pro bono trainings for volunteers, and PLC offers in-person training on various topics as well. If you are interested in a particular area of law, but worried that you may not have enough knowledge to take on a case, reach out to us! We are happy to walk you through the different ways that we can provide support.
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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PLC Advocates & Lavender Bar Association's
Annual Halloween Bash
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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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BANKRUPTCY
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Ch. 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1042806
Client is in her mid-70s and her only source of income is government benefits. Client had to charge medical services to her credit cards and now has approximately $25,000 in unsecured debt. A creditor recently sued her for unpaid debt, which causes her great anxiety. She is seeking pro bono assistance in filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to provide her peace of mind.
Ch. 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.
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.
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BENEFITS
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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.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 18-1042584
Proposed conservatee has been diagnosed with cerebal palsy. While she can communicate with others, she needs constant supervision and assistance with daily activites. Client is the mother of the proposed conservatee. All family members' whereabouts are known.
*Client is monolingual Spanish speaker*
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1042641
Proposed conservatee has been diagnosed with autism. While he is verbal and can communicate with others, he needs constant supervision and assistance with daily activities. Clients are his parents and seek to be co-conservators. All family members' are known, but clients will need to provide address for paternal grandmother.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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CONSUMER
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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.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS
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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.
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DISSOLUTION
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Forensic Accounting/Discovery, PLC 18-1042726
Client has an active domestic violence protective order against her former spouse and recently had a judgment for dissolution entered, but still has remaining property and spousal support issues to resolve. Client is currently recovering from a motorcycle accident and is unable to work during recovery, causing Client significant financial distress. Due to her lack of income, Client has had to move out of her apartment is currently renting a room. The hearing on the property and spousal support issues is expected to be continued until early 2019. In the meantime, Client will need assistance with discovery and other litigation aspects of her case.
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.
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.
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EMPLOYMENT
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Nonprofit - Employment Contract, PLC 18-1042311
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy. Previously an all-volunteer organization, client has expanded operations and is now seeking to hire a part-time executive director. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting an employment contract for this position.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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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 18-1042087
Client is a college student and a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. Client is seeking assistance obtaining a U Visa certification from law enforcement and then applying for a U Visa. The investigation of her domestic violence case is still pending. Client is the primary source of support for her mother and disabled sister. She is bilingual and speaks English and Korean.
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*
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*
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
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*
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18-1042631
Client owns the mobilehome where she resides with her son, who is a veteran, and which is the permanent residence of her daughter, who is currently serving in the military. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate her home based on prior alleged violations of which Client was not notified. Client would like to remain in her mobilehome and wishes to resolve this issue with the mobilehome park. The 60-day notice has expired, but Client has yet to be served with an unlawful detainer complaint. Client would like assistance defending the anticipated unlawful detainer.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18-1042465
Clients own the mobilehome where they reside with their children. Clients were served with a 60-day notice to vacate their home based on prior alleged violations of which Clients were not notified. Clients would like to remain in their mobilehome and wish to resolve this issue with the mobilehome park. The 60-day notice has expired, but Clients have yet to be served with an unlawful detainer complaint. Clients would like assistance defending the anticipated unlawful detainer.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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
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LITIGATION
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Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18-1042631
Client owns the mobilehome where she resides with her son, who is a veteran, and which is the permanent residence of her daughter, who is currently serving in the military. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate her home based on prior alleged violations of which Client was not notified. Client would like to remain in her mobilehome and wishes to resolve this issue with the mobilehome park. The 60-day notice has expired, but Client has yet to be served with an unlawful detainer complaint. Client would like assistance defending the anticipated unlawful detainer.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18-1042465
Clients own the mobilehome where they reside with their children. Clients were served with a 60-day notice to vacate their home based on prior alleged violations of which Clients were not notified. Clients would like to remain in their mobilehome and wish to resolve this issue with the mobilehome park. The 60-day notice has expired, but Clients have yet to be served with an unlawful detainer complaint. Clients would like assistance defending the anticipated unlawful detainer.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
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.
Forensic Accounting/Discovery, PLC 18-1042726
Client has an active domestic violence protective order against her former spouse and recently had a judgment for dissolution entered, but still has remaining property and spousal support issues to resolve. Client is currently recovering from a motorcycle accident and is unable to work during recovery, causing Client significant financial distress. Due to her lack of income, Client has had to move out of her apartment is currently renting a room. The hearing on the property and spousal support issues is expected to be continued until early 2019. In the meantime, Client will need assistance with discovery and other litigation aspects of her case.
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 recovering his money and including claims for elder abuse, which come with provisions for treble damages and attorneys fees.
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
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
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Social Enterprise) - Tax Law, PLC 18-1042988
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower vulnerable individuals through personal defense training and education. The organization has an affiliated for-profit subsidiary and seeks legal advice and guidance with ensuring that it is acting in compliance with federal and state tax law.
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RESTRAINING ORDER
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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
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Marketing) - Contracts, PLC 18-1043034
Client is a partner in a small family business that provides digital marketing services to other small businesses. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing the following business contracts: a general partnership agreement, a standard agreement to use with potential subcontractors, and a standard client services contract.
Small Business (e-commerce) - Start-up, PLC 18-1043032
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a health-related e-commerce business. Client seeks assistance with ensuring that the legal requirements for starting the business are met, as well as advice and counsel on choosing the appropriate business entity.
Small Business (Retail) - Contracts, PLC 18-1042729
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a web-based business. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting standard terms of service. Client also seeks legal advice and guidance with structuring commission payments for service providers.
Small Business (Family Support) - Website Terms & Conditions, PLC 18-1042482
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a consulting business for resource families. Client has developed a website for her business and seeks legal assistance with preparing website terms and conditions, as well as a privacy policy. Client also seeks legal advice with regard to using a potential business logo.
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VETERANS
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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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