New Pro Bono Opportunities from PLC

July 10, 2025

Hi,

I hope your July is off to a good start! As summer moves along, we’re reminded that this season is often one of engagement and action— not just in our personal lives, but in our professional lives. This is especially true in our shared mission to expand access to justice in our community.

Attached is our latest list of available pro bono opportunities. It includes a range of opportunities—such as nonprofit governance matters, housing advocacy, and immigration relief. We also have a number of U-Visa cases available. These are typically a shorter-term commitment, as PLC will remain attorney of record and file the U-Visa petition with USCIS. If you don’t see something that fits your interests or experience—please reach out! Not every case makes it onto our public list, and I’m always happy to make tailored matches when possible.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this work. Your time and partnership continue to change lives and move justice forward in our community.

Sincerely,

Angela Mestre

Pro Bono Coordinator

PRACTICE AREAS

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

FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION

Help a Veteran Preserve the Rights to his Home – PLC 25-0111685

Client, a 79-year-old Vietnam Veteran with disabilities, seeks legal assistance to address a mortgage obtained through misrepresentation by a former roommate. The mortgage is an interest-only mortgage, which Client did not knowingly agree to. Former Roommate also persuaded Client to transfer title of Client’s home from Client as sole owner, to Client and Former Roommate as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist in reviewing the mortgage terms, challenge the transaction, and pursue a quiet title action against Former Roommate to regain full ownership of his home. Client has already obtained an Elder Abuse Restraining Order against Former Roommate. This is a meaningful opportunity to assist a veteran in preserving his housing and financial stability.

Email Staff Attorney Monica Bedia

Assist a Senior Entrepreneur Seeking Justice: Contract/Small Business/Elder Abuse

– PLC 24-0091286

Client, a 70-year-old bilingual English and Vietnamese speaker, is seeking legal assistance in a financial business dispute. He personally loaned money to Adverse Party, which has yet to be repaid. Additionally, Client entered into a purchase agreement for 50% ownership of Adverse Party’s company, but the promised share was never delivered. This case involves both personal financial matters and business transactions made through his LLC. Your support can help Client recover what he is owed and ensure fair business practices.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett

IMMIGRATION

Help a Domestic Violence Survivor Take the Next Step Toward Protection: U-Visa

– PLC 24-0084946*

Client is a 36-year-old single mother and DACA recipient seeking immigration relief after enduring years of verbal and emotional abuse by her former partner—the father of her young U.S. citizen child. She has separated from the relationship and is now pursuing a U-Visa to help ensure a more secure future for herself and her child. By taking on this case, you can help a mother formalize the path for her and her child’s future. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker, and interpretation can be provided as needed.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

*NOTE: With PLC’s new policy, PLC will be, and remain, the attorney of record on this case. In addition, the pro bono attorney must 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.

Fleeing Violence, Fighting for Care: Asylum – PLC 25-0109970, 25-0111400, 25-0111403

Client is a 38-year-old woman from Honduras who is currently in immigration court in Santa Ana alongside her two children. Her asylum application, based primarily on her experiences of domestic violence, has already been filed. One of her children has Down syndrome, and the other recently received a heart transplant in the United States. Client fled Honduras to protect herself and her children, as well as to secure better care for her son. She endured physical and emotional abuse from her former partner, who was a drug addict and alcoholic. Her next hearing is scheduled for October 4, 2025, and she is seeking representation limited to immigration court proceedings. Your support can help this mother pursue healing, protection, and a healthier future for her family.

Email Senior Staff Attorney Devin Chatterton

Assist a Trafficking Survivor Seeking Relief: T-Visa – PLC 25-0107263

Client, a 30-year-old woman from the Philippines, is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with her T-Visa application. After being recruited in her home country, she was brought to the United States by individuals who subjected her to severe labor conditions in unlawful conditions and under threats of deportation. Client is fluent in both English and Tagalog and would like to include her husband and two minor children—currently residing in the Philippines—as derivatives on her application. She is ready to begin the process and is looking for legal support to help her move forward.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Support a Trafficking Survivor in Seeking Protection: T-Visa – PLC 25-0107262

Client, a 34-year-old woman from the Philippines, is seeking pro bono representation to apply for a T-Visa. She was fraudulently recruited to the United States to work as a caregiver and was later subjected to unlawful labor conditions. When she raised concerns about her treatment, her employer responded with threats involving immigration enforcement. Client is fluent in English and Tagalog and would like to include her minor son as a derivative on her application. Client hopes to take the next step in securing immigration protection for herself and her child with the help of a pro bono attorney.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Help a Parent Navigate Immigration Relief: U-Visa – PLC 25-0101627*

Client is a long-time resident of Santa Ana and the mother of multiple U.S. citizen children. She is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with a U-Visa application. Her eligibility is based on the harm she experienced after her minor daughter was the victim of a sexual assault. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker, and interpretation support is available.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Offer a Path Forward for a Survivor Seeking a U-Visa – PLC 24-0098176*

Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking mother seeking pro bono assistance with a U-Visa application. She has a history of domestic violence and currently has a restraining order in place against her ex-husband, which will help her request an immigration visa. Interpretation services are available to support communication throughout the case.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Help a Mother Pursue Justice and Safety Through a U-Visa – PLC 24-0093546

Client is a single mother seeking assistance with a U-Visa application based on her experience as a survivor of domestic violence. She obtained a domestic violence restraining order against her ex-husband, who fled the United States after the order was issued. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker. Interpretation services are available to support communication throughout the case.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Assist a Survivor Seeking Immigration Relief – PLC 24-0091011*

Client is eligible for a U-Visa based on domestic violence by her lawful permanent resident ex-partner. Though they were never married, the abuse spanned several years and included physical, sexual, and verbal harm. Certification would be requested based on an existing Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Client also needs assistance filing a USCIS FOIA request to determine whether her LPR father submitted any prior immigration filings on her behalf. Client will then need representation to initiate her U-Visa case.

Email Staff Attorney Frida Franco

Help a Mother Seeking U-Visa Relief – PLC 25-0101038*

Client, a 40-year-old monolingual Spanish speaker from Mexico, is seeking pro bono assistance with filing a U-Visa petition. She is currently in the process of divorcing her former partner, with whom she shares four U.S. citizen children. During their relationship, Client experienced repeated instances of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Client reported the abuse to law enforcement multiple times and obtained a restraining order against her former partner, which he later violated. Those violations were also reported to the police. Client will be the sole applicant on her U-Visa petition and is seeking help from a pro bono attorney to move forward with the application process.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

Provide Legal Support After a Violent Attack: U-Visa – PLC 25-0099927*

Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking man seeking assistance with a U-Visa application after surviving a violent assault. He was attacked by three individuals and sustained serious injuries, including a facial wound that took a month to heal and memory loss related to the incident. Client fully cooperated with law enforcement in the criminal investigation and is now eligible for U-Visa relief. He is seeking a pro bono attorney to move forward with his U-Visa application and take the next step toward rebuilding his life.

Email Staff Attorney Andy Marin

Guide a Survivor Through the U-Visa Certification Process: U-Visa – PLC 25-0102300*

Client is a mother and survivor of domestic violence. Although she initially reported a domestic violence incident to law enforcement, she later recanted—a response not uncommon in these situations. Client is now ready to pursue immigration relief and would like assistance from a pro bono attorney in requesting U-Visa certification and continue her case if the certifying agency signs off on her report. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker, and interpretation services are available to support communication.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Step In to Help Someone Who Stepped Up for Another: U-Visa – PLC 24-0097437*

Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist on a U-Visa. Client was a witness to a domestic violence incident and as the issues escalated, Client intervened in to protect the victim. During the altercation, Client was also assaulted. Client provide a report to the authorities. Based on her quick actions and drive to be a good Samaritan, Client now qualifies for a U-Visa. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker and interpretation services are available to support communication, if needed.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney, Precious Odum

Help a Domestic Violence Survivor Obtain Legal Residency: VAWA – PLC 24-0093052

Client, a single mother from Mexico, is seeking a pro bono attorney with a VAWA-based Adjustment of Status Petition. Client endured severe emotional and verbal abuse at the hands of her U.S. citizen spouse throughout their relationship and marriage. With PLC’s support, Client filed for divorce, which is still pending. While awaiting the finalization of her divorce, Client continues to focus on supporting her three children and herself, while healing from the abuse she endured. This case offers the opportunity to help a survivor of domestic violence navigate the immigration system and build a safer life for herself and her family. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker and interpretation services are available to support communication, if needed. Client is the only applicant in her case.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

Support a Survivor and Her Children: U-Visa – PLC 25-0101307*

Client, a monolingual Spanish speaker, is a 32-year-old mother who survived repeated domestic violence, both physical and sexual, at the hands of her former partner. Despite the danger, she found the courage to report the abuse to the police, who investigated her former partner. Today, she is focused on healing and providing a better life for her two children, including her newborn U.S. citizen baby. Client continues to suffer from the aftermath of the abuse, including ongoing anxiety, but remains determined to move forward and create a new chapter for herself and her two young children—one of whom is a newborn U.S. citizen. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to help her apply for a U-Visa—a crucial step toward long-term safety and peace of mind. This is a powerful opportunity to help a survivor build a more secure future with her children.

Email Staff Attorney Andy Marin

Fighting for a New Beginning: U-Visa Assistance Needed – PLC 24-0089978*

Client is seeking pro bono representation to apply for a U-Visa after experiencing violent assaults by his ex-wife during their marriage. The abuse also extended to his elderly mother, who was assaulted on a separate occasion. Both Client and his mother reported the incidents to law enforcement and successfully obtained three-year restraining orders against the ex-wife in 2024. Client and his mother are cooperating with the Orange County District Attorney’s office in the felony assault prosecution of the ex-wife. However, both continue to suffer from anxiety and emotional distress due to the violence they endured. Client, a bilingual English/Hindi speaker, is pursuing the U-Visa as a sole applicant, as his elderly mother is pursuing her own U-Visa. Your support can help empower this survivor to move forward and rebuild his life.

Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer

PRESERVATION OF HOUSING

Clearing Title for a Fresh Start: Lien on Mobilehome – PLC 24-0095956

Client purchased a mobilehome in 2018, only to discover that the title was never transferred from the previous owner into Client’s name. In fact, the title still lists the original owners—who are now unreachable—and carries a lien recorded over 30 years ago. This long-standing paperwork issue has left Client without clear ownership, limiting his rights and peace of mind. Client is now seeking a pro bono attorney to remove the lien and finally secure the title in his name. This case offers a chance to help Client achieve true ownership of his home.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

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

A Mobilehome Dream Turned Nightmare: Help a Client Fight for Her Home Title Issues

– PLC 24-0088369

Client, a hardworking monolingual Spanish-speaker, invested her entire life savings to purchase a mobilehome at an auction by Mobilehome Park in 2021. But her dream quickly unraveled. Recently, Client discovered that Mobilehome Park failed to obtain title to the mobile home before auctioning it and failed to transfer title to her after the sale. To make matters worse, there is an undisclosed lien from a former owner, along with years of unpaid taxes. She now faces title, lien, and tax issues and is seeking a pro bono attorney to help resolve these issues. This case presents a unique opportunity to help Client fight for the home she worked so hard to secure and bring some much-needed peace of mind.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Enforce Administrative Appeal Decision to Recover Overpaid Rent – PLC 25-0099946

Client, a long-term Section 8 voucher holder, is seeking assistance from a pro bono attorney to enforce a favorable administrative appeal decision. For five years, Client was charged excess rent due to a clerical error by the housing authority, which misclassified payments related to the care of her disabled son as income. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, she was denied a timely review and only received a formal hearing in 2025—eight years after the error began. At the hearing, the administrative officer ruled in her favor. However, the housing authority has declined to honor the decision, citing internal policy and the age of the grievance as reasons they cannot issue a reimbursement. Client is now looking for legal support to challenge the agency’s refusal and to recover the substantial overpayments she was wrongly charged.

Email Staff Attorney Hanna Poploskie

Seek Justice for a Family Living in Unsafe Conditions – PLC 25-0102862

Client, a tenant and mother of minor children, is seeking pro bono assistance in pursuing a claim against her landlord for ongoing habitability issues in her apartment. Despite repeated requests for repairs, the unit has been plagued by persistent mold and strong chemical odors, which have led to serious health problems for both Client and her children—including hospitalization and multiple doctor visits. Although Landlord temporarily relocated the family and attempted cleaning, the chemical odors remained upon their return, and the family’s health concerns continued to worsen. Client has obtained some chemical testing and contacted code enforcement, but the conditions persist. She is now seeking legal support to evaluate and potentially pursue a habitability and personal injury claim related to the impact of the living conditions on her family’s health and well-being.

Email Staff Attorney Hanna Poploskie

Help a Military Family Assert Their Rights: Habitability – PLC 25-0103011

Client, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spent years trying to get his landlord to make urgently needed repairs to his family’s home. Despite repeated requests, serious defects in the unit went unaddressed—until recently, when local code enforcement stepped in and cited the landlord for multiple violations. This family has endured prolonged substandard living conditions, and now they’re ready to explore their legal options. The client is seeking a pro bono attorney for a consultation and guidance on the strength and value of a potential habitability claim, and possibly representation in pursuing affirmative litigation. This is a chance to support a veteran and his family as they take a stand for decent, livable housing.

Email Supervising Attorney Ryan Ueda

Fight Housing Discrimination – Help a Single Father Seek Justice – PLC 24-0098720

Client, a devoted single father, faced persistent discrimination from his landlord simply for having a child. Client’s child merely displayed normal child behavior. However, Landlord blamed Client’s young son for a plumbing leak in their apartment—despite a year of failed repair attempts—and restricted the family’s use of their own bathtub. Unable to endure the continued hardship and unfair treatment, Client was forced to move when his lease ended. Now, Client is seeking legal representation to file a private civil lawsuit for damages based on familial status discrimination. He has already pursued a case with the California Civil Rights Department, but mediation was unsuccessful. Your advocacy can help hold Landlord accountable and protect the rights of families like his.

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

TRANSACTIONAL

Counsel a Video Production LLC on Hiring Freelancers and Drafting an Agreement

– PLC 25-0112690

Client, a solo video producer operating as an LLC, plans to hire freelance support for upcoming projects. Client seeks advice on classification of freelance workers the LLC will hire in the future, along with assistance in drafting an independent contractor agreement or other appropriate document for those engagements. This is a great opportunity to support a growing creative business.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Review MOU for Longstanding Nonprofit Supporting Public Libraries – PLC 25-0114145

Client is a longstanding 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the Orange County community since 1975 by operating a volunteer-run bookstore and raising funds in support of a public library. Client has historically operated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Orange County. However, due to recent jurisdictional changes, it has now received an MOU from the City, which proposes to assume control over certain aspects of the nonprofit’s operations. Client is seeking an attorney to review and advise on the new MOU to ensure they can continue their mission of supporting the public library, operating their bookstore, and engaging the community as they have for nearly five decades. Your expertise can help ensure this beloved community institution continues to thrive.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Advocate for Environmental Justice: Legal Guidance Needed for Startup Nonprofit

– PLC 24-0094801

Client, a newly formed nonprofit is seeking pro bono legal counsel to challenge a commercial project currently in the approval process. The project raises serious environmental and health concerns in the surrounding communities. Client is looking for advice on how to legally challenge and/or voice their opposition to the project, while minimizing potential liability for the organization and its Board members. Your guidance will help Client navigate the complexities of advocacy while ensuring legal protection for their organization.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Assist Existing Nonprofit Building Affordable Housing with Advice on Holding Title and Possibly Entity Formation – PLC 25-0108089

Client, a long-established religious nonprofit, is preparing to build affordable housing on its property and seeks legal counsel on how best to hold title to the new development. Client would also like advice on whether forming a new related entity is the appropriate path forward, and assistance with entity formation if needed. Your guidance can help this nonprofit lay the foundation for long-term community impact.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Existing Nonprofit and its Holding Company Seeking Best Practices Advice and Counsel

– PLC 24-0095106

Client is a nonprofit organization serving the Orange County community with a focus on Muslim civil rights and advocacy. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a related 501(c)(2) title-holding entity that owns real property on its behalf. Client seeks counsel and advice to ensure it is operating both entities in compliance with best practices and in a way that limits potential liability. Support this nonprofit’s mission by helping it operate with confidence and clarity.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Help Nonprofit Launch a Community Coffee House – PLC 25-0112533

Client is an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on community development and revitalizing the local arts scene. Client is looking to expand its impact by opening a coffee house. The vision: a vibrant community gathering space where proceeds flow back into the nonprofit’s mission. Client seeks pro bono assistance to determine the best legal structure for this new social enterprise venture. Help this organization bring people together—one cup at a time.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce.

Launch Support for Neighborhood Mobility Nonprofit – PLC 25-0112859

Client is a new nonprofit dedicated to serving the community—especially youth, families, and underserved residents—through affordable bicycle and micromobility repair services, safety education, and mobility-focused programs. Client is seeking pro bono legal support with incorporation, bylaws, a Conflict-of-Interest Policy, and applications for federal and state tax-exempt status. Be part of laying the legal foundation for a nonprofit committed to equitable mobility access.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

VETERANS

Help a Veteran Preserve the Rights to his Home – PLC 25-0111685

Email Staff Attorney Monica Bedia

Help a Military Family Assert Their Rights: Habitability – PLC 25-0103011

Email Supervising Attorney Ryan Ueda

The following areas do not have cases available for placement as of today.

If you are interested in a matter, please email us at volunteer@publiclawcenter.org and we’ll reach out if a case becomes available before the next case list:

Advocacy for Children
Civil Rights
Conservatorship
Debt
Disability Rights
Family Law
Federal Court

Human Trafficking
Impact Litigation
Intellectual Property
Justice for Older Adults
Probate/Trusts & Estates
Race Equity
Reentry/Conviction Relief

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