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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,
We have had a wonderful response to our last case list; we are so grateful for all of you who have volunteered your time and shared your skills with those less fortunate. As I was searching for inspiration for this week's case list, I found the following quote and found it appropriate:
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
Which means, keep up the momentum! We have some new clients on this list who could really use your assistance. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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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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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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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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DISABILITY
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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 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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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.
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.
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.
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EMPLOYMENT
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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.
Nonprofit (Youth Fitness) - Employment Policies, PLC 19-1048655
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the sport of soccer to create positive youth engagement, particularly in low-income communities. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing their current employment manual and policies.
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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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum, PLC 19-1048670
Client's father passed away while client was living with him in his home country. After moving in with a relative, client was abused and neglected, and eventually kicked out of the relative's home. Client moved in with another relative and was subjected to significant verbal and physical abuse. Client feared for his life, fled his home country and came to the United States to be reunited with his mother. Client seeks assistance with submitting applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum.
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
U-Visa, PLC 19-1047759
Client is a single mother of three U.S. citizen children. She survived domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner. Client reported the abuse to law enforcement, obtained a Criminal Protective Order, and her ex-partner was successfully prosecuted. Client would like assistance with filing a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 19-1045572
Client is 50 years old and a mother of 2 U.S. citizen children. She is a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Client reported the abuse to law enforcement and was granted a restraining order from the family court. She would like assistance preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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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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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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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NON-PROFIT
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Nonprofit (Youth Fitness) - Employment Policies, PLC 19-1048655
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the sport of soccer to create positive youth engagement, particularly in low-income communities. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing their current employment manual and policies.
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 (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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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Construction) - LLC Operating Agreement, PLC 19-1048654
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a small construction business. Client intends to form an LLC and seeks legal assistance with drafting an LLC Operating Agreement between himself and two other individuals.
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 19-1048222
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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No cases at this time.
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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum, PLC 19-1048670
Client's father passed away while client was living with him in his home country. After moving in with a relative, client was abused and neglected, and eventually kicked out of the relative's home. Client moved in with another relative and was subjected to significant verbal and physical abuse. Client feared for his life, fled his home country and came to the United States to be reunited with his mother. Client seeks assistance with submitting applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum.
State Court Findings - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
PLC has a number of cases where an Immigration Judge has ordered our clients to seek orders from state court for their minor children. Obtaining the specific orders would qualify them to apply for a green card based on the youth being abused, abandoned or neglected by one or both of their parents. PLC is seeking assistance with obtaining the state court orders, through either restraining order, parentage or other proceedings, primarily in Los Angeles County. PLC will provide substantial support, and has approximately 3-5 cases currently in need of assistance.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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