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Make a donation
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the
Public Law Center
to ensure
that low
income families and
those who have
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get a fair shake
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Greetings,
In a few short days, October will be upon us and PLC will be celebrating
National Pro Bono Month, honoring our volunteers and the commitments they make to providing access to justice for our low-income clients.
While I will happily tell you that I get to celebrate our pro bono volunteers all year round, the month of October is a particularly special month. It's a wonderful time to get involved with a pro bono case, to volunteer at one of our courthouse-based clinics, or to spend a little extra money on
Amazon Smile, with PLC as your chosen organization!
In October, we will be participating in a
panel at the Orange County Bar Association discussing why pro bono is important and how attorneys can get involved. We are engaging new law firms and in-house counsel in specialized one-day clinics. And, of course, PLC staff continues to meet with clients, investigate their cases and get them ready for placement with a volunteer. We would love to count you as part of our growing base of volunteers, so please reach out to us today!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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Click
here
for more event information.
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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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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1043344
Client is in her mid-40s with approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. A creditor has already obtained a judgment against her and she fears having her wages garnished. Client is a single mother and survivor of domestic violence and she needs her entire paycheck to support her two children. Client is seeking assistance in filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Chapter 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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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Limited Conservatorship, PLC 18-1043196
Clients are husband and wife, parents to their 18-year-old developmentally disabled daughter. They seek to establish a limited conservatorship over her in order to continue making decisions regarding her medical care and education.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1043229
Proposed conservatee is a human trafficking client and needs a conservatorship in order to move forward with the T-visa application. She needs constant medical attention, supervision and assistance with daily activities. Client, and proposed conservator, is the sister of proposed conservatee. All family members' whereabouts are known.
*Client is monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Equal Justice Works Crime Victims Justice Corps Fellow Precious Odum
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CONSUMER
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Debt Collection Defense - Student Loan, PLC 18-1042826
Client is in his mid-40s and unemployed. Client was sued by a foreign government to collect on student loans. Client's attempts to settle and get on income contingent repayment have been futile, so Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit.
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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CUSTODY
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Custody, PLC 18E-1039672
Client is an English speaker and mother of two young girls. Client and her daughter are both disabled and hard of hearing. Client was the victim of domestic violence and requests assistance with a Request for Order modifying the custody and visitation order against the aggressor.
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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.
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EMPLOYMENT
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Small Business (Construction) - Standard Employment Contact, PLC 18-1043280
Client is a low-income owner of a new small construction business. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing a standard employment contract for her part-time employees.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Nonprofit (HOA) - Bylaws Review, PLC 18-1043243
Client is a local homeowners association made up of predominantly low income and/or senior residents. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing, and updating if necessary, its bylaws and CR&Rs.
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 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*
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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.
Debt Collection Defense - Student Loan, PLC 18-1042826
Client is in his mid-40s and unemployed. Client was sued by a foreign government to collect on student loans. Client's attempts to settle and get on income contingent repayment have been futile, so Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit.
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
Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1042224
Client is in her early 90s, is unmarried, and does not have any close relatives. After being hospitalized, she created a trust and named an unrelated gentleman as the trustee and power of attorney, giving him access to her home and various financial assets. Client has recently amended her estate planning documents to remove him as trustee and power of attorney after discovering that approximately $25,000 is missing, and previous power of attorney was listed as beneficiary of all of her accounts.Client would like assistance getting her money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against the previous power of attorney for elder financial abuse.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (HOA) - Bylaws Review, PLC 18-1043243
Client is a local homeowners association made up of predominantly low income and/or senior residents. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing, and updating if necessary, its bylaws and CR&Rs.
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 (Construction) - Standard Employment Contract, PLC 18-1043280
Client is a low-income owner of a new small construction business. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing a standard employment contract for her part-time employees.
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 (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.
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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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WILLS & ESTATES
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Revocable Living Trust, PLC 18-1043207
Clients are a married couple who own a townhome. They would like to set up a revocable living trust to ensure that their property is distributed to their adult children when the children reach a certain, more responsible age. Clients also seek to create accompanying powers of attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives.
*Clients primarily speak Spanish*
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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