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April 15, 2026

Hi,

With National Volunteer Month underway, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank you for the time and expertise you share to support our clients and community. Whether you’ve taken on a case, assisted at a clinic, or volunteered in other ways, your willingness to step in truly makes a difference—and it does not go unnoticed.

I’ve had many attorneys reach out expressing interest in assisting with immigration cases, including those without prior experience. If that sounds like you, I’m happy to share that we now have an attorney dedicated to providing training in removal defense proceedings. Removal proceedings arise when an individual is facing potential deportation and is seeking relief to remain in the United States, making representation in these matters especially critical. This is a great opportunity if you're interested in this area but don't yet have experience—we’re here to help you build that knowledge and support you along the way, while assisting a client who truly needs advocacy. If you’re interested in getting started with removal defense cases, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

This month’s case list includes a variety of opportunities across several practice areas where volunteers can make a direct impact by taking on a case and helping clients access justice they otherwise would not be able to obtain. Your assistance on even one case can meaningfully change a client’s life and help set them on a path forward free from the legal issue they are currently facing.

Thank you again for all that you do, and I hope you have a great rest of the month!

Sincerely,

Angela Mestre

Pro Bono Coordinator

APPEALS

Fight for Housing Justice: Represent Displaced Residents on Appeal – PLC 23-0077406

A vibrant low-income neighborhood is being dismantled—homes acquired, buildings demolished, and residents displaced. Clients, a group of current and former residents, along with a dedicated community-based nonprofit, fought back by seeking a writ of mandate to compel the municipality and related defendants to fulfill their legal obligations under the Community Redevelopment Law (Health & Safety Code § 33000 et seq.) and California Relocation Assistance Act (Gov. Code § 7260 et seq., 25 C.C.R. § 6000 et seq.) to, among other things, replace housing units removed from the market and provide replacement housing and relocation assistance to impacted residents. Despite their efforts, the trial court sustained a demurrer to the petition for writ of mandate without leave to amend. Now, Clients seek an experienced pro bono appellate attorney in connection with the appeal from the judgment. PLC, along with another organization, would co-counsel on the case.

Email Supervising Attorney Marc Callahan

FAMILY LAW

Custody Modification for Veteran Mother Seeking Sole Custody – PLC 26-0126944

Client is a military Veteran seeking legal assistance with modifying an existing custody order. The parties divorced a couple of years ago and currently share legal and physical custody of their three minor children. Client is requesting sole legal and physical custody, with no visitation for the adverse party, who is employed as a police officer. Client reports ongoing verbal harassment and coercive control directed at her during custodial exchanges, as well as concerns about the children’s well-being while in the adverse party’s care, including alleged verbal abuse. Client also reports a history of verbal and physical abuse during the relationship. Based on these concerns, Client believes modification of the current custody arrangement is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of herself and the children.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney Ayami Nieves

FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION

Recovery of Assets Following Elder Financial Abuse – PLC 25-0122007

Client is a 74-year-old Farsi-speaker who suffered a financial loss after the proceeds from the sale of her home and her personal belongings—including furniture, clothing, and jewelry—were transferred to her daughter in 2023 without Client’s intent or authorization. Client reports that these transfers were fraudulent and is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in recovering both the funds and her belongings. Client’s son is available to assist with interpretation and email communication, as needed. Your assistance will help Client pursue recovery of her assets and protect her financial security.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett

Elder Financial Abuse Matter Involving Fraud – PLC 26-0123730

Client is an 83-year-old woman on a fixed income who has recently begun experiencing memory issues. In July 2025, Client contacted a plumbing company to address a backed-up sink. After completing the initial repair, the company continued to contact Client to have additional work done around the home. Client lives alone and believes she was targeted for services she did not need. The company facilitated a loan with a finance company, ran up her credit card, and asked Client for various payments, which she made via check. Client is now in debt $160,000. Client reports that she was never provided copies of the loan agreements, and after Client’s daughter and son—who hold power of attorney—became involved, they obtained four loan agreements bearing electronic signatures that Client states she did not authorize or make. No debt collection lawsuits have been filed to date. Your assistance will help Client challenge fraudulent debt and work toward financial recovery.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett

Chapter 7 Relief from Mounting Unsecured Debt – PLC 25-0118277

Client has approximately $52,000 in unsecured debt and is experiencing anxiety from ongoing collection activity and the risk of potential lawsuits. Client’s employment situation has recently stabilized, and he is now seeking assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to address his debt and move forward on more secure financial footing. Your assistance will help Client obtain meaningful debt relief and achieve a fresh financial start.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Lydia Tse

Elder Financial Abuse – PLC 25-0122000

Client is a 71-year-old man who speaks English and Hindi and is seeking legal assistance after being misled into what he believes is a fraudulent investment scheme. An individual offered to invest funds on Client’s behalf through a third-party website and provided regular updates showing apparent growth of his investment. When the client later attempted to withdraw funds, he was unable to access any money, and the individual stopped responding to his inquiries. Client now believes he was the target of a scam and seeks to pursue legal action against the individual involved, and potentially the company she claimed to represent, to recover his losses, which total approximately $78,000. Taking this case offers an opportunity to help an older adult seek accountability and financial recovery after being taken advantage of through deceptive practices.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett

Recovering Wages and Assets for Survivor of Long-Term Labor Exploitation – PLC 25-0122001

Client is a 63-year-old woman from Southeast Asia who was brought to the United States and compelled to work for a family that withheld her pay. After more than 30 years, Client was able to safely leave this situation. Client is now seeking assistance to recover the funds that were wrongfully withheld throughout her time with this family, as well as funds she believes were also withheld from her late husband. By taking this case, you can help support Client’s effort to reclaim what is rightfully hers and take meaningful steps toward starting a new life.

Email Staff Attorney Monica Bedilla

Solar Panel Fraud & Litigation Options – PLC 24-0086553

Clients, both over 65 years old, entered into a contract with a solar company to install a solar panel system on their residence for $27,840, payable upon completion. Although the panels were installed, they were never connected or made operational. Later, Clients discovered a fraudulent contract for the same installation with Energy Corp, totaling $42,919.68, plus financing, bringing the cost to $113,731.11. Clients never signed any agreement with Energy Corp. Clients contacted Energy Corp. about the fraudulent signature, and they agreed to cancel the contract and remove the panels. However, a third company filed a mechanics' lien lawsuit claiming it had supplied the panels. Due to concerns over this lien, Clients did not allow Energy Corp. to take possession of the panels.

The mechanics' lien lawsuit is still pending, with discovery completed and trial set for 2026. Energy Corp., now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas, has proposed (and the court approved) a sale of all assets free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances. PLC filed a proof of claim in that bankruptcy, asserting Client’s claims against Energy Corp for the fraudulent contract, including, but not limited to claims of fraud, elder financial abuse, violations of California’s Home Solicitation Sales Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, and the federal E-Sign Act. However, the only way to sue Energy Corp. now is within the bankruptcy case via an adversary proceeding or by filing a motion for relief from the stay to pursue litigation outside of the bankruptcy case. To resolve the matter, clients are willing to pay $27,840 (original contract price) once the panels are functioning, and both the mechanics’ lien and Energy Corp. claims are released against Clients, their home, and the solar panels. Clients are seeking representation for this exciting case at the intersection of consumer rights, fraud, and the solar panel industry.

Email Directing Attorney Suzanne Iazetta

Elder Financial Protection – Solar Panel Loan Dispute – PLC 24-0088454

Client is an older adult, a monolingual Spanish speaker, living on a fixed income. In late 2022, a door-to-door salesperson sold him solar panels for his home, under the impression that the cost would be covered by a government program. However, Client has since discovered that he has been saddled with a loan exceeding $50,000, which he is unable to afford. He is seeking assistance to cancel the loan and have the panels removed from his home. Assist an older adult in resolving a predatory solar panel loan and reclaiming his home. This case can be handled independently or in conjunction with case PLC 24-0088454-B, as detailed below.

Email Directing Attorney Suzanne Iazetta

Protecting Elder’s Claims in Solar Panel Loan & Bankruptcy – PLC 24-0088454-B

Client is an older, monolingual Spanish speaker that is on a fixed income. In late 2022, a door-to-door salesperson sold him solar panels, under the impression that a government program would cover the cost. However, Client was saddled with an unaffordable loan of over $50,000. The vendor who sold the solar panels has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas, proposing a sale of all assets free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances. There is still time to object to the proposed sale and potentially secure a 363(o) carve-out and ensure any third-party releases do not apply to this claim. Clients want to preserve their claims and ensure that they are not wiped out in the bankruptcy proceedings. However, the only way to pursue a lawsuit against the vendor is to file an adversary proceeding within the bankruptcy case or file a motion for relief from stay and win to sue outside the bankruptcy court. Client seeks legal guidance to protect his interests and prevent the loss of his claims. This case can be handled independently or in conjunction with case PLC 24-0088454, as detailed above.

Email Directing Attorney Suzanne Iazetta

IMMIGRATION

HABEAS PETITION

Habeas Petition for Long-Term Detainee Seeking Release – PLC 25-0118958

Client is a 52-year-old man from China seeking pro bono assistance with a habeas petition following re-detention by ICE. Client received a final order of removal around 2001 due to a prior conviction. However, the government was unable to effectuate his removal within the required time period and Client was released under an order of supervision. During this time, Client married a U.S. citizen and focused on rebuilding his future and establishing a stable home together. At a routine check-in in September 2025, Client was re-detained and has remained in custody at Adelanto since that time. Client is now seeking legal assistance for a habeas petition to allow him to return to the life he worked so hard to build with his wife.

Email Staff Attorney Andy Marin

U-VISA

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

*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 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

*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.

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

*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.

Immigration Relief for Mother Seeking Protection Through a U-Visa – PLC 25-0115233*

Client is seeking pro bono assistance with a U-Visa application based on domestic violence committed by her longtime partner of more than 16 years. Client experienced repeated physical and psychological abuse that resulted in injury and caused her to fear for her well-being. She is a 40-year-old mother of two minor U.S. citizen children and is focused on protecting herself and caring for her family. Taking on this case allows a pro bono attorney to assist Client in pursuing immigration relief that supports her ability to remain in the United States and continue providing for her children.

Email Staff Attorney Andy Marin

*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.

U-Visa Application for Survivor Who Assisted Law Enforcement – PLC 25-0119131*

Client is seeking pro bono assistance with a U-Visa application based on serious crimes she experienced as a minor, including sexual assault and false imprisonment. The U-Visa will be based on those crimes, however, Client also experienced severe domestic violence in 2018. Client cooperated fully with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office, including providing testimony in the criminal case against the perpetrator. Evidence related to Client’s history as a victim of domestic violence, her cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime, and her requests for restraining orders to protect herself and her three children will be used to demonstrate the ongoing impact of the original crimes and her continued assistance to law enforcement. Client is an English speaker and the single mother of three U.S. citizen children, all under the age of 10. Taking this case allows a pro bono attorney to help Client secure immigration relief that recognizes her cooperation with law enforcement while supporting her ability to protect and care for her family.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

*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.

U-Visa Application for Survivor of Domestic Violence – PLC 24-0085971*

Client, a single mother, is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in applying for a U-Visa based on severe domestic violence by her former partner. Client is a Spanish speaker and will require interpretation throughout the process. Taking on this case offers the opportunity to help Client secure a pathway to immigration relief.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

*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.

VAWA

Guide a Mother Through Adjustment of Status – PLC 26-0126182

Applicant is a 32-year-old woman from Mexico and the mother of four United States citizen children. She is a DACA recipient and has a visual disability. She is seeking pro bono assistance with a VAWA-based Adjustment of Status (VAWA-AOS) following abuse by her former spouse, a United States citizen. During the marriage, the applicant experienced ongoing psychological and emotional mistreatment, as well as incidents of physical violence. Her former spouse frequently used her immigration status as a way to insult and emotionally abuse her. By taking this case, you can help Client move forward and secure lawful permanent residence through the protections available under the Violence Against Women Act. Client is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the sole applicant.

Email Staff Attorney Frida Franco

Assist Client With Path Forward Under VAWA – PLC 26-0123551

Client is a 33-year-old woman from Mexico and the mother of a 5-year old daughter. She is seeking assistance with a VAWA petition based on domestic violence by her former spouse, a U.S. citizen. The years of abuse to both Client and her daughter resulted in an emergency protective order and a restraining order, and Client is in the process of finalizing her divorce. By taking this case, you will be able to support Client in navigating the legal process and opening the door to new opportunities for herself and her daughter. Client is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the sole applicant.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

VAWA-Based Adjustment of Status for Survivor of Domestic Violence – PLC 25-0114494

Client is a bilingual (English/Spanish) young woman from Mexico seeking assistance with a VAWA-based Adjustment of Status application. Client is in the process of divorcing her U.S. citizen spouse and is pursuing immigration relief based on domestic violence experienced during the marriage. Throughout the relationship, Client was subjected to severe psychological and emotional abuse, as well as physical violence. Client’s spouse exerted significant control over her daily activities and stalked her after she left him. Client previously had DACA but was unable to renew her status due to the trauma she experienced during the relationship and the lack of financial independence and ability to pay the renewal fee. Client is now seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in moving forward through the VAWA-AOS process.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney Josie Roberto

Help a Mother Find Safety and Stability in the U.S. – PLC 25-0111466

Client is a 44-year-old mother of two minor children from Mexico seeking assistance with a VAWA petition based on domestic violence by her U.S. citizen spouse. The abuse extended to both Client and her children and included repeated threats, leading Client to separate from her spouse and obtain an active restraining order. Client is not yet divorced. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker (interpretation can be provided as needed) and is the sole applicant on this matter. Your assistance will help Client pursue immigration relief through a VAWA petition and move toward long-term stability for her family.

Email Staff Attorney Leasly Salazar

Stand Up for Fair Housing – Represent a Single Father in a Familial Status​ Discrimination Case

– PLC 24-0098720

A devoted single father is seeking justice after experiencing discrimination from his landlord because he has a young child. During the tenancy, the landlord repeatedly blamed the child for a plumbing issue in the unit and restricted the family’s use of their own bathtub, despite the problem stemming from a long-standing maintenance issue. Facing ongoing hardship and frustration, Client ultimately moved when his lease ended. He previously brought the matter to the California Civil Rights Department, but mediation did not resolve the dispute. Client is now ready to move forward with a private civil lawsuit for familial status discrimination. This case presents an opportunity to advocate for fair housing protections and equal treatment for families with children.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Advocate for a Veteran’s Right to a Safe Home – PLC 25-0103011

For years, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family have lived in unsafe conditions while their landlord ignored requests for repairs. Only after local code enforcement issued multiple violations did the landlord finally face accountability. With the violations now on record, this family has an important opportunity to take the next step: asserting their rights through a potential habitability claim. They are seeking a pro bono attorney who can evaluate the case, advise on available remedies, and, if appropriate, represent them in pursuing legal action. Your advocacy can help ensure this veteran’s family secures the safe and dignified housing they have long been denied.

Email Supervising Attorney Ryan Ueda

Support a Senior Tenant Facing Unlawful Eviction – PLC 25-0111781

Client, a senior living with disabilities, had been renting a room on a verbal lease for over seven years. In April 2025, he received an oral eviction notice from his sister, the homeowner. Before he could obtain details about the reason for his eviction, Client’s wife passed away unexpectedly. Client went into shock and was hospitalized. When Client returned home at the end of the month, he discovered his personal belongings had been removed from his room and left outside. The homeowner falsely claimed Client had abandoned the property. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to obtain justice for his unlawful eviction.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

TAX

Tax Identity Theft – PLC 24-0087745

Client is a 62-year-old monolingual Spanish-speaking woman who recently discovered that her Social Security number was used by another individual for employment purposes from 2019 through 2023. These tax years have not yet been audited by the IRS. She is now seeking assistance from a pro bono attorney to correct the record with the appropriate agencies by clearing her name and to help prevent future identity theft. This is a meaningful opportunity to assist a client who is eager to resolve this matter and move forward with peace of mind.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Evan Phoenix

Advise 501(c)(3) Nonprofit on California Compliance Review and Bylaw Updates

– PLC 26-0125004

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the public about Jewish identity and to combat antisemitism through community-based programming and outreach. Client seeks pro bono legal assistance to conduct a California nonprofit compliance review and to evaluate and update its Bylaws to ensure alignment with current state and federal nonprofit governance requirements and best practices. Scope of assistance includes reviewing corporate governance structure, board procedures, required policies, and filing obligations under the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law and applicable IRS regulations. By taking this case, you can help strengthen the legal and operational foundation of a mission-driven organization working to promote education, community engagement, and civil rights protections.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Help Establish a New California Nonprofit Serving Individuals with Autism – PLC 26-0124425

Client is an established 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support individuals with Autism and their families. One of its existing programs is preparing to transition into an independent nonprofit entity in order to expand its impact and pursue its own fundraising and governance structure. Client seeks a pro bono attorney to assist in forming a new California nonprofit public benefit corporation, including drafting and filing Articles of Incorporation, preparing compliant Bylaws and initial governance policies, and advising on the process for obtaining federal and state tax-exempt status. Counsel may also advise on appropriate structuring considerations related to the program’s separation from the parent organization. Your assistance will help launch a community-driven nonprofit focused on expanding resources, inclusion, and support for individuals with Autism.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Help Launch a California Lifeguard Association Promoting Training and Water Safety

– PLC 26-0125223

Client is a professional lifeguard seeking to establish a California nonprofit association to support, organize, and advance the interests of lifeguards through training, professional development, advocacy, and public safety initiatives. The proposed organization is intended to be structured similarly to an existing State Lifeguard Association and to serve as a replicable model for future regional and statewide lifeguard associations. Client seeks pro bono legal assistance to form a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, develop governance documents and membership structure, and advise on obtaining federal and state tax-exempt status. Counsel may also provide guidance on structuring considerations related to membership associations, liability protections, and regulatory compliance. By taking this case, you can help establish a legally sound framework for a public safety-focused organization that aims to strengthen professional standards and community water safety across the state and beyond.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Structuring an Affordable Housing Project for Lasting Community Impact

–​ PLC 25-0108089

Client, a long-established religious nonprofit, is preparing to develop affordable housing on its property and is seeking pro bono legal guidance at a key planning stage. Client needs advice on how best to hold title to the development, whether a new related entity should be formed, and assistance with entity formation if appropriate. This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape a project that will expand access to affordable housing and serve the community for years to come.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Advise Fiscally Sponsored Land Conservation Project on Entity Formation and Real Estate Law

– PLC 25-0121517

Client is a fiscally sponsored project working to safeguard acres of land in Orange County threatened by imminent private development. The project’s long-term goal is to acquire the land, preserve it for public benefit and educational purposes, and ultimately transfer ownership to the County. Client seeks a pro bono attorney to provide advice and guidance regarding whether to establish a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity at this juncture or remain a project. Client also seeks preliminary advice and counsel on land use, property, and real estate law issues in anticipation of a future transfer. Given the timing of potential development activity, early legal guidance will be critical to preserving the project’s available options. By taking this case, you can help protect environmentally and community-significant land while supporting a grassroots effort to ensure long-term public stewardship.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Provide Advice and Counsel to Existing Youth-Related Nonprofit re: EDD Issue – PLC 25-0120101

Client is an established nonprofit that offers innovative arts, education, and therapy programs serving low-income and special needs families. Client is seeking advice and counsel regarding an ongoing payment issue with the Employment Development Department related to a period during the Covid-19 pandemic. Your guidance can help the Client resolve this matter and stay focused on providing vital programs for youth and families.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

HR Practices and Procedures Review for Mental Health Nonprofit – PLC 25-0114715

Client is an established nonprofit that offers affordable therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with legal advice and guidance on setting up a small human resources department to ensure full compliance with state and federal laws related to hiring practices. By offering your expertise, you can help a nonprofit lay the groundwork for a compliant and successful HR department.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

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