New Pro Bono Opportunities from PLC

November 4, 2026

Hi,

November is a time when we often stop and think about what we're thankful for. I'm certainly thankful for the many attorneys who share their time and legal knowledge with PLC and our Clients. It's easy to take the experience and knowledge we've gained throughout our careers for granted, but those skills can make an incredible difference in someone's life. And what better time than now to put them to use helping someone who needs it?

Sometimes, the biggest thing holding an attorney back from taking a pro bono case is the area of law. If you've ever passed on a case because it involved something you don't typically practice, you might want to take another look. Having been a pro bono attorney myself, I understand that taking on an unfamiliar matter can feel intimidating. You may wonder how much you'll need to learn or where to turn when questions come up. I remember that feeling! The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Every pro bono attorney working on a PLC case is assigned a PLC attorney who can provide technical assistance and answer questions. Depending on the matter, we may also have samples, guides, and other resources to help you along the way.

Immigration is one area where many attorneys would like to help but aren't sure where to start without prior experience. Removal Defense is a great way to get involved, even if you've never handled an immigration matter. It involves representing asylum seekers who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their country of origin. Our Immigration Senior Staff Attorney will provide you with one-on-one training and ongoing support throughout the matter, including guidance on the steps involved in representing the Client. You'll have someone to turn to as you work through the case, so you won't be navigating an unfamiliar area of law alone.

And taking a case on your own isn't the only option! You can partner with colleagues at your firm and work on a matter together or start by participating in one of our clinics. Clinics provide an opportunity to receive training, gain experience in a new area of law, and offer limited-scope assistance to a Client. Many attorneys start in a clinic and eventually feel comfortable taking on a case with the support of a PLC attorney.

So, as you look through this month's Case List, don't automatically rule out a matter just because it's outside your usual practice area. You might be surprised by what you're able to take on with the support of a colleague and technical guidance from a PLC attorney.

I'm genuinely thankful for the attorneys who continue to make pro bono work part of their practice. Your knowledge and experience are valuable, and sharing them with someone who needs legal help is a meaningful way to put those skills to work.

Thanks so much for all you do and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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

REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS

Facing Removal After Protesting Government Actions – PLC 26-0136944

Client is a 28-year-old man from Tajikistan is seeking pro bono representation in removal proceedings before the immigration court in Santa Ana, California. He fled his home country after being detained for participating in anti-government protests. Since his departure, government officials have gone to his family home, labeled him an extremist, and threatened to file criminal charges against him if he returns. Client entered the United States with parole in 2024 and has since been placed in removal proceedings. His asylum application, which is based on his political opinion, has already been filed. His next court date is November 30, 2026. Client speaks Tajik and Russian. Your assistance will help Client navigate the removal proceedings and present his case before the immigration court.

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

A Mother’s Path to a Secure Future – PLC 26-0127251*

Client is a 41-year-old single mother who came to the United States at age 14 in 1999 and has lived here ever since. She is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with a U-visa application based on domestic violence committed by her former partner. The abuse included physical violence, including being stabbed in the chest, threats of death and kidnapping against her 8-year-old U.S. citizen son, and emotional and financial abuse. Client has police reports and a restraining order against her former partner. Through a U-visa, she hopes to obtain lawful immigration status, remain in the United States with her son, and build a more secure future for them both.

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.

Moving Forward After Domestic Violence – PLC 26-0153003*

Client is a 43-year-old woman from Ukraine seeking pro bono assistance with a U-visa application based on domestic violence involving her ex-husband. She cooperated with law enforcement following the incident and is currently participating in therapy as she works toward healing. Client speaks English and Russian. Your assistance will help Client pursue immigration relief and work toward a more secure future for herself and her two children in the United States.

Email Staff Attorney Frances Tian

A Chance to Secure Her Place in the U.S. – PLC 26-0157629*

Client is a 62-year-old woman from Mexico who has lived in the United States since 2001 after fleeing abuse in her home country. She has established her life here and is now seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with a U-visa application based on domestic violence perpetrated by her former romantic partner. Client contacted the police, and her cooperation helped law enforcement pursue criminal charges against her former partner. She is a monolingual Spanish speaker and will be the sole applicant in the case. Your assistance will help Client pursue immigration relief and remain in the United States.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum

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

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 Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum

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

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 New Chapter: Building an Independent Future – PLC 26-0138623

Client is a 28-year-old woman seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with a VAWA petition based on domestic violence perpetrated by her husband. The abuse included physical beatings at least once a week, threats related to her immigration status, and emotional and financial abuse. She has sought police assistance and has police reports documenting the abuse. Through VAWA relief, Client hopes to move past the abuse and obtain lawful immigration status to become financially independent and move forward with her life.

Email Staff Attorney Andy Marin

A Chance to Make Her Own Way – PLC 26-0135644

Client, a 31-year-old woman from Mexico, has experienced domestic violence at the hands of her U.S. citizen husband. She has lived in the United States since 2021 and met her husband here. Client is seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with a VAWA petition. Your assistance will help Client pursue immigration relief and obtain lawful status to remain in the United States. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.

Email Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum

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 26-0172671

Client is a person with disabilities who applied to be on a waiting list for a housing voucher in 2022. Client was selected from the waiting list in 2026, but was ultimately denied assistance. The housing authority determined that while the physical location of Client’s employment was in the appropriate jurisdiction, since the disability-related employment agency was based outside of the jurisdiction, Client did not qualify for the assistance. Client is seeking pro bono assistance in filing a writ of mandate against a housing authority for improper denial of assistance related to disability discrimination. Client has requested a reasonable accommodation based on his disabilities for a reconsideration of the decision and is awaiting response.

Email Staff Attorney Hannah Poploskie

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

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 Newly Established Nonprofit with Its Next Steps in Formation – PLC 26-0163164

Client is seeking legal assistance with the next steps in establishing and developing a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce loneliness and foster a sense of purpose and belonging. The organization aims to connect people across generations through meaningful relationships, shared stories, and compassionate engagement, ensuring that every individual feels seen, valued, and heard. The client seeks guidance on nonprofit formation, governance, and the legal requirements necessary to move the organization forward.