New Pro Bono Opportunities from PLC

September 2, 2026

Hi,

I'm continually grateful for attorneys like you who choose to spend your time and skills helping people in our community. It's easy to feel like one person can't make much of a difference in the world, but for the clients you assist through pro bono work, that difference is enormous, and many times, life-changing.

That's exactly what this month's case list offers: a chance to be that difference for someone who needs it. I hope you'll take a few minutes to look through the cases below and see if there's a matter that interests you. If you're not able to take on a full-scope matter right now but still want to make a difference, I have another way to do that with a shorter commitment:

PLC Domestic Violence Hearing Preparation Clinic

PLC is now offering a clinic to help self-represented individuals prepare for domestic violence restraining order hearings. Training is included, so no prior experience is required.

Who: Attorneys. The clinic is best suited for trial attorneys, though non-trial attorneys are welcome too

Where: Virtual, via Zoom

For firms: Interested in getting a group of attorneys involved soon? The clinic can be arranged within 3–4 weeks. If this sounds like something your firm would be interested in, please reach out to me for more information.

For individuals: Interested in participating on your own? Let me know and I'll send you more information. A clinic will be scheduled once enough individual attorneys have expressed interest.

Whether it's taking on a case from this month's list or joining us for the Domestic Violence Hearing Preparation Clinic, thank you for the many ways you continue to show up for our clients and our mission.

Wishing you a wonderful start to September!

Sincerely,

Angela Mestre

Pro Bono Coordinator

PRACTICE AREAS

FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION

Solar Panel Fraud and Financial Elder Abuse – PLC 25-0099764

Client is a 91-year-old disabled homeowner living alone and on a fixed income consisting of Social Security benefits and a small pension. In 2022, Solar Company approached Client at her home and represented that it was determining her eligibility for a government program that would cover the cost of solar panels. Client states that she never agreed to purchase or to finance solar panels and only signed an electronic device to determine her eligibility for the program. Approximately one week later, a crew arrived and installed solar panels despite Client's repeated objections. Although Client repeatedly called Solar Company requesting copies of the agreement they claimed she signed, she did not receive them until approximately 18 months later. Client maintains that the signatures on the agreement are not hers and that she never signed the documents. Client subsequently began receiving bills from Finance Company, and the account was eventually placed into collections. She is now receiving collection letter from Collection Law Firm. Despite PLC sending a demand letter disputing the debt and seeking rescission of the financing agreement, we have not received a response though collection efforts have continued. To date, the solar panels have never been connected and have never functioned. Your assistance will help a vulnerable elderly homeowner challenge a fraudulent debt and pursue relief from predatory sales and financing practices.

Email Directing Attorney Suzanne Iazzetta

Contractor Fraud and Financial Elder Abuse on Cancer Patient – PLC 26-0125447

Client, a 69-year-old single woman, was approached by a salesperson at her home in Fall 2024. Salesperson told her about a government program that would provide free roof repairs and a solar battery to complement her existing solar panels. Salesperson presented an electronic device and asked Client to sign. Client advised him that she lived on a fixed income, was unable to read, and asked him to explain the documents she was signing. Salesperson told Client that she was authorizing roof repairs and installation of a new solar battery to power her existing solar panels. He further explained that, aside from a few monthly payments ranging from approximately $130 to $200, state rebates would cover the roof repairs and solar battery "almost entirely." He repeatedly assured Client "not to worry" about the payments because the promised rebates would cover the cost of the work. Client informed Salesperson that she was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. When workers arrived to perform the project, she was in the hospital receiving treatment. After the work was supposedly completed, Client discovered that the roof repairs were unfinished, the roof was leaking, fascia boards were missing, and rainwater was entering the eaves. The solar battery also failed to function and has never powered her solar system. She later learned that permits had not been obtained for the work.

Soon thereafter, Client began receiving bills claiming she owed approximately $40,000 for the project. A separate contractor later provided a written estimate of just $5,500 for comparable roof repairs. Client believes Salesperson took advantage of her age, medical condition, inability to read, and financial circumstances, and suspects her signatures were forged on financing documents. She states that she never received a copy of a financing agreement, was unaware she was entering into a $40,000 financing contract, was not provided the required cancellation notices, and never received any of the promised government rebates. The finance company is now seeking approximately $51,000. Although the contractor has offered to settle the dispute for $8,000, Client is reluctant to enter into a settlement agreement contractor. A pro bono attorney sought to assist this vulnerable senior in challenging the alleged financing agreement and pursuing claims arising from the contractor's conduct.

Email Directing Attorney Suzanne Iazetta

IMMIGRATION

BOND HEARING

Help a Longtime U.S. Resident Seek Bond – PLC 26-0153794

Client is a Honduran woman who entered the United States in 1998. She held Temporary Protected Status from around 1998-2026, during which she worked and paid taxes. Client has two U.S. citizen children who live in LA County and another child who remains in Honduras. Client was doing regular ICE check in appointments when one day she was pulled over by ICE and taken to Adelanto ICE Processing Center. Client has no criminal record. However, she has two prior immigration-related incidents from before 1998, when she attempted to enter the U.S. using another person's documents and was removed from the U.S. Client's first master calendar hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2026, and her bond hearing can be scheduled at any time once an attorney is ready to proceed. Your assistance will help Client seek release from detention and return to her family while her immigration case proceeds.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

T-VISA

Help a Human Trafficking Survivor Pursue Immigration Relief – PLC 26-0147926

Client is a 31-year-old woman from Guatemala who was brought to the United States under the impression that she would be working as a cleaner. Instead, her traffickers forced her to work long hours without breaks, monitored and restricted her movements, and threatened to report her to immigration authorities. Client was able to escape and reported the traffickers to the Department of Labor. Client is a Spanish speaker who understands some English and is seeking assistance with pursuing immigration relief. Your assistance will help Client work toward obtaining lawful status and building a future in the United States.

Email Staff Attorney Frances Tian

U-VISA

DACA Recipient Seeks Immigration Relief Following Domestic Violence – PLC 26-0127108*

Client is a 33-year-old woman from Mexico and the mother of a 9-year-old son. She is a DACA recipient seeking pro bono assistance with a U-Visa application based on domestic violence perpetrated by her former partner. Client is bilingual in English and Spanish. Your assistance will help Client pursue a more permanent form of immigration status and continue building a future in the United States with her son.

Email Staff Attorney Frances Tian

*NOTE: For U-Visa cases at PLC, the pro bono attorney's commitment is to finalize the U-Visa within 6 months of placement and forward it to PLC for review and approval. At that point the pro bono attorney’s commitment and service on this case will be completed. PLC will file the U-Visa with USCIS as attorney of record.

Help a Father Pursue U-Visa Relief and Keep His Family Together – PLC 25-0101334*

Client is seeking pro bono assistance with a U Visa application based on domestic violence perpetrated by his former spouse. He is the sole caregiver for his minor children and has reported the abuse to law enforcement, cooperated with the investigation, and obtained a restraining order against his former spouse. Client is committed to providing a bright future for his children and is seeking immigration relief so he can continue raising his family in the United States. Your assistance will help Client pursue his commitment to his children by seeking the immigration relief needed to keep his family together.

Email Staff Attorney Leasly Salazar

Mother of Five Seeks U-Visa Following Years of Domestic Violence – PLC 26-0125202*

Client is a Mexican woman seeking pro bono assistance with a U Visa application based on more than a decade of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse by her husband. Client recently obtained full custody of her five children as a result of her husband's abuse of the children. She reported the abuse to law enforcement and has obtained both a police report and a criminal protective order against her husband. Client is actively participating in therapy alongside her children and is committed to supporting their well-being and future. Please consider assisting this mother as she seeks immigration relief and a more secure future for her family. Client is a Spanish speaker and will require an interpreter.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

A Pathway to Protection and Immigration Relief for a Mother of Two – PLC 25-0121248*

Client is a 50-year-old mother of two from Mexico seeking legal assistance following a serious incident of domestic abuse by her former partner and the father of her children. Her children are currently receiving treatment related to the impact of what they experienced and witnessed. Client is a Spanish speaker and will require interpretation services. She is seeking pro bono representation to pursue a U-Visa, which would provide a pathway to lawful status and greater stability for her and her family. This is an opportunity to support Client in securing safety, long-term security, and meaningful opportunities for her family.

Email Staff Attorney Frances Tian

Build Stability and Secure Protection for a Mother and Her Children – PLC 25-0119923*

Client is a 38-year-old woman from Mexico seeking assistance with a U Visa application. She previously obtained a signed U Visa certification from the District Attorney’s Office and has recently separated from her partner after experiencing years of domestic violence. Client is actively engaged in therapy as a result of the abuse she and her children suffered. She is a Spanish speaker, and interpretation services are available. Your assistance will help Client pursue lawful status and continue building a stable future for herself and her children.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

Help a Long-Term Survivor Pursue Immigration Relief and Move Forward – PLC 26-0124523*

Client is seeking pro bono assistance with a U Visa application based on domestic violence by her spouse of 30 years. She experienced physical, verbal, and sexual abuse throughout the marriage, including harm that resulted in a lasting injury and potential nerve damage for which she is currently receiving treatment. Client is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the sole applicant. By taking this case, you can help Client pursue immigration relief that supports her ability to remain in the United States.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Support a Parent Seeking a Fresh Start for Her Family – PLC 26-0123366*

Client is seeking pro bono assistance with a U Visa application based on domestic violence by her former partner. She currently has a restraining order in place, which has been violated in the past. Client is a mother of two boys and is pursuing this application as an important step toward establishing lawful status in the United States. Your assistance will help Client move forward with her application and continue providing care and support for her children.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

VAWA

Mother Seeking Safety and Stability Through VAWA Relief – PLC 26-0129613

Client is a 47-year-old mother of two U.S. citizen daughters seeking pro bono assistance with a VAWA petition. An English speaker, Client is eligible for VAWA relief based on domestic violence perpetrated by her husband. The abuse included physical violence, threats involving firearms, and abuse directed at her daughters, one of whom has developmental disabilities. Client has evidence supporting her case, including police reports and a temporary restraining order. She previously held lawful status in the United States but no longer does. Through VAWA relief, Client hopes to remain in the United States and continue providing for her daughters.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

PRESERVATION OF HOUSING

Assist a Family Fighting Housing Discrimination – PLC 26-0159785

Client and his family rent a home where they have experienced ongoing harassment and discrimination by their Landlord. Almost immediately after they moved in, Landlord began telling Client to move out, making discriminatory remarks about Client's race and ethnic background, and threatening to contact immigration enforcement despite Client's citizenship status. During the five-month tenancy, the utilities have been interrupted on four separate occasions as an attempt to force the family to vacate. As a result, Client purchased a generator to provide power to the home. Landlord has also called the police on Client several times, claiming that family members were trespassing. On one occasion, armed police officers were dispatched to the home while Client's minor child was present. Landlord has additionally called Client more than 300 times during the tenancy and sent text messages containing discriminatory and threatening statements. Landlord has now filed an unlawful detainer action against Client. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with filing a civil lawsuit against Landlord based on the discrimination and harassment. While not required, assistance with the unlawful detainer would also be appreciated.

Email Staff Attorney Hannah Poploskie

Assist Unhoused Clients with Shelter Issues – PLC 25-0114948

Clients are unhoused individuals who experienced sexual harassment, habitability issues, disability discrimination, retaliation, invasion of privacy, wrongful termination of shelter services, and other mismanagement issues at a government-owned and operated shelter. Shelter operators and government officials failed to address Clients' grievances, and most clients have been improperly exited from the shelter, leaving them without a place to stay or access to other support services. Clients are seeking legal assistance to address the issues they experienced at the shelter, prevent further mistreatment, and, where appropriate, regain access to shelter and related services.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Fight Disability Discrimination – PLC 26-0140629

Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in filing a civil lawsuit against his landlord for failure to provide reasonable accommodation for his disabilities. Client repeatedly requested permission to submit maintenance and repair requests by email, but Landlord insisted that all requests be made by telephone or through the property's automated system. Because Client's disability prevented him from using the automated system, he was unable to effectively report needed repairs, yet Landlord continued to refuse to accommodate Client’s disability. Your advocacy can help this Client enforce his rights while promoting equal access to housing for individuals with disabilities

Email Staff Attorney Emily Phillips

Assist a Former Foster Youth Recover Escrow Funds from a Government Agency

– PLC 26-0124132

Client participated in a time-limited subsidized housing program for former foster youth that provided a housing voucher and the opportunity to build savings through an escrow account. Under the program, funds were deposited into the escrow account and were to be released to Client upon successful completion of the program. Although the program ended earlier than originally anticipated, Client fully complied with its requirements. Despite Client's compliance, the government agency has refused to release the escrow funds, citing alleged discrepancies that predate Client's participation in the escrow program. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in recovering the funds to which she is entitled. Your assistance will help Client recover the full balance of her escrow account without improper deductions.

Email Staff Attorney Hannah Poploskie

Defending Unlawful Rent Increases Impacting a Senior Tenant – PLC 26-0125884

A disabled senior is seeking justice after being subjected to multiple rent increases. Living on a fixed income, Client is a Section 8 voucher holder residing in a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. Despite clear regulations limiting rent increases, he has faced repeated and unsupported hikes that now threaten his ability to remain in his home. Over the past year, Client’s rent has increased by 23%, and he has recently been served with an additional notice proposing an 11% increase. These increases are not only unsustainable, but they also appear to exceed limits set by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and the Tenant Protection Act (TPA). If not reversed, these rent increases place Client at immediate risk of displacement and loss of housing stability. He has made good-faith efforts to resolve these issues directly with the landlord but has received no relief. Client is seeking pro bono counsel to hold Landlord accountable for failing to comply with rent increase restrictions and to pursue recovery for the unlawful increases already imposed. This matter may also present an opportunity to explore litigation against local housing authorities.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Fighting for a Safe Home: Breach of the Warranty of Habitability – PLC 26-0130277

Client is a working father living with his wife and two children in an apartment complex where their health and safety are at risk. Despite repeated requests to the landlord, the unit is affected by serious habitability issues, including infestations, mold, water damage, non-functioning smoke detectors, a broken kitchen vent and stovetop, infestation-damaged carpeting, and a leaking bathroom ceiling. These conditions are impacting the health of Client and his family, and Client’s doctor has recommended urgent remediation to prevent further complications. As a result of these conditions, Client has been forced to discard and replace essential household items—including blankets, pillows, and furniture—creating a significant financial burden. Client has made multiple attempts to address these issues with Landlord but has been met with threats of eviction if complaints continue. Client also reports that Landlord has removed and discarded personal property without permission. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to hold Landlord accountable for these unsafe living conditions, secure necessary repairs, and pursue damages for the harm caused. This is an opportunity to advocate for a family facing serious housing instability and to help ensure they can live in a safe and healthy home.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

TRANSACTIONAL

Help an Established Youth Nonprofit Navigate Governance and Bylaws Compliance

– PLC 26-0158676

An established nonprofit organization serving youth in Orange County is seeking legal guidance on nonprofit governance and board responsibilities. Client needs assistance ensuring its practices are consistent with its governing documents and applicable nonprofit law, including reviewing the organization's bylaws for compliance, board fiduciary duties and decision-making procedures, and other governance matters that may arise as the organization continues its operations.