New Pro Bono Opportunities from PLC

October 1, 2026

Hi,

It’s Pro Bono Month! So I thought I’d take the opportunity to share a few different ways you can get involved with PLC, whether you have the time to take on a case, want something shorter, or just want to support PLC in a different way.

Take a Pro Bono Case

Of course, Pro Bono Month is a great time to take a case! There are plenty of clients on the list below who could benefit from pro bono assistance. If you have the capacity to take on a case, take a look and see if something catches your eye.

Participate in a Clinic

If taking on an ongoing case isn’t the right fit right now, PLC also has several clinics where attorneys can provide brief legal services to self-represented litigants. We have both remote and in-person options, including our Domestic Violence Hearing Preparation Clinic, Federal Pro Se Clinic, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Clinic, and Bankruptcy Reaffirmation Clinic. Some clinics don’t require prior experience, and PLC provides training and support where needed. If you’re interested in participating in a clinic, just reach out to me and I can give you more information and let you know what opportunities are currently available.

Support PLC at Our Halloween Bash

And there’s one more way to celebrate Pro Bono Month that doesn’t involve practicing law at all! PLC, along with the PLC Advocates, and the Orange County Lavender Bar Association are teaming up for our 14th Annual Halloween Bash. This is a fun way to support PLC while spending an evening with friends and colleagues from the legal community. Your ticket purchase helps support PLC and allows us to continue providing free legal services to low-income individuals and families in Orange County. So grab a ticket, bring a friend or two, and come celebrate with us! Get your tickets and learn more about the Halloween Bash here.

Whether you take a case, join us for a clinic, or come out to the Halloween Bash, I hope you’ll find a way to celebrate Pro Bono Month with PLC!

Thanks so much and have a great day!

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 financing of 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. On 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

Help a Mother of a Young Child Pursue U-Visa Relief – PLC 26-0153924*

Client is a 36-year-old woman seeking pro bono assistance with a U Visa application based on domestic violence by her former partner. Client has lived in the United States since she was three years old and is a single parent to her two-year-old daughter. Client speaks both English and Spanish. She has an active criminal protective order against her former partner and continues to receive medical care for injuries resulting from the abuse. Your assistance will help Client pursue immigration relief and continue caring for her young daughter.

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 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 permanent immigration relief and continue building a future with his children.

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

A Path Forward for a Father Seeking VAWA Relief – PLC 26-0152340

Client is a 44-year-old English-speaking DACA holder seeking pro bono assistance with his VAWA petition. Client experienced abuse by his ex-wife, including frequent verbal and emotional abuse related to his immigration status, as well as an incident of physical abuse. Client is seeking immigration relief that will allow him to remain in the United States and continue building a future for himself and his children.

Email Staff Attorney Frances Tian

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

TRANSACTIONAL

Help a Longstanding Equestrian Nonprofit Update Its Bylaws and Articles – PLC 26-0155178

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has operated for more than 30 years provides programs for horse riders and supports other equine charities. As the organization continues its work, it needs to make minor updates to its governing documents, mainly revising outdated dates and clarifying the criteria and procedures for board and officer elections. Pro bono counsel with nonprofit governance experience will review the organization's bylaws and articles of incorporation, advise on the proposed revisions and the proper steps to adopt them, and help prepare amendments that align with California nonprofit law and the organization's current practices.