Greetings,
What an amazing event on Monday evening! Thank you to everyone who joined Volunteers for Justice to support PLC. It means so much, particularly now. I hope the videos and experiences reminded you what a difference one person (you!) can make when they volunteer to assist someone less fortunate.
If you have been on our email list for a while, you might notice that this list looks a little different! We redesigned the case list in an effort to make it easier to find a case that would be a good fit. The majority of the opportunities below can be done remotely, with client meetings over the phone or via video conference. We urge you to take a look at the list below and identify an opportunity that would be a good fit for you.
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Adoption, PLC 20E-1050683
Grandmother seeks to adopt her two grandchildren, ages 12 and 4, from foster care. Parental rights have been terminated. PLC can provide technical assistance to the pro bono attorney. Services, including representation, can easily be provided remotely in this matter.
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Federal District Court Litigation - Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051272
Client is an English speaker in his 30s appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. Client is unable to work and needs to depend on these benefits to survive. Client is in the process of filing his complaint pro se, but Client is seeking representation in this matter in order to give him the best chance of obtaining a reversal of the ALJ's decision.
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Default Divorce, PLC 20-1050441
Client is disabled with two children, whose only current source of income is the disability payments she is receiving. The client's attorney of record entered the default in the case but did not enter the default judgment, and the client is unable to pay for additional services. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to request a default hearing and represent her when the courts reopen. Services, including representation, can easily be provided remotely in this matter.
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Furthering Fair Housing Laws, PLC 20E-1049214
Client is a person with mental health disabilities. She would like to sue a housing provider for violating federal and state fair housing laws in the renting process. Client receives a federal subsidy to rent in the private market. Although client is now stably housed, the housing provider that refused to rent to her caused her mental anguish that exacerbated her mental health condition and resulted in her hospitalization. Client seeks to file suit against the housing provider to ensure compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS |
Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
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Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children.
*Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency*
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Immigration/U-Visa, PLC18-1044873
Client is a victim of rape and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner and she reported the incident to the police. She seeks assistance with applying for a U-Visa as a victim of rape and domestic violence. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant. Client is a monolingual Spanish Speaker.
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FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION |
Bankruptcy, PLC 20-1050673
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her late 50s with approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. Client hopes that filing for bankruptcy will give her the opportunity to move on with her life and get a fresh start.
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1049286
Client is an English speaker in her early 30s. Client was sued for an alleged credit card debt, and she disputes the amount of the debt. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for January 2021*
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late April 2021*
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Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Medical Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1048966
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her 50s. Client was sued for an alleged medical debt but she was unaware of what her obligations were to respond to the lawsuit and a default judgment was entered in against her. Client disagrees with the amount of the debt and believes she is not responsible for a large portion of the alleged debt. Client seeks assistance setting aside the default judgment and defending herself in this matter.
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Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Conviction, PLC 20E-1051470
Client was trafficked into sex work in Orange County when she was a teenager. More than ten years ago, during the course of her trafficking, she was convicted of prostitution and keeping a house of ill-fame. After over a decade in an abusive relationship with her trafficker, she was finally able to escape. Since then, she has focused on building a new life and being a devoted mother to her five American-born children. Client would like assistance with seeking a vacatur of her 2005 convictions.
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Immigration/T-Visa, PLC-20E-1050698
Client is a victim of human trafficking. Client was forced to cook, clean and work for her father as a minor, without pay. She seeks assistance with applying for a T-Visa as a victim of human trafficking. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant in the case. Client is an English Speaker.
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Vacatur of Criminal Charges, PLC 20E-1050968
Client came to the United States to escape harassment and abuse in her home country. Upon arrival in California, Client was taken in by a man who purported to be her boyfriend. He instead prostituted her and she ended up with criminal charges directly related to her trafficking. Client was eventually able to escape and has now been married for ten years. Client would like to seek vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles County.
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Vacatur of Criminal Charges, PLC 20E-1050681
Client was essentially kidnapped when she was homeless as a teenager. The man forced the client into prostitution and she was arrested by an undercover officer. Client was eventually able to escape, to reconnect with family and friends and is pursuing a college degree. Client would like assistance seeking vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles County.
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Federal District Court Litigation – Mandamus, PLC 20E-1051739
Clients are a father and son who are applying for asylum. Clients believe they are improperly being denied their employment authorization. Clients would like assistance filing a mandamus action in District Court to force the federal agency to take appropriate action.
Immigration/T-Visa, PLC-20E-1050698
Client is a victim of human trafficking. Client was forced to cook, clean and work for her father as a minor, without pay. She seeks assistance with applying for a T-Visa as a victim of human trafficking. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant in the case. Client is an English Speaker.
Immigration/U-Visa, PLC18-1044873
Client is a victim of rape and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner and she reported the incident to the police. She seeks assistance with applying for a U-Visa as a victim of rape and domestic violence. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant. Client is a monolingual Spanish Speaker.
Petition to Remove Conditional Permanent Residence, PLC 19-1045566
Client is in his late 30s early-40s and is currently employed. Client's prior partner filed a family based petition on the client's behalf and he was granted Conditional Permanent Residence for a year period. During their marriage, client suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his husband. He is now seeking assistance in filing a petition to remove the condition based on being "battered or abused" by his partner. Successfully removing this condition will prevent the client from losing his permanent resident status.
*Client primarily speaks Vietnamese*
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Nonprofit (Arts Education) - Trademark, PLC 20-1051135
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to is to positively impact youth through arts mentoring programs and to enhance the skills of local artists through community engagement Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection for its logo and program name.
Nonprofit (Environmental Protection) - Review of Copyright Release, PLC 20-1051424
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore and maintain a local community park. Client has created a calendar using photographs taken by local photographers and seeks legal assistance with reviewing a standard release to use the photographs.
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Elder Abuse, PLC 20E-1049970
Client contributed substantial funds to purchase a home with a family member. Unbeknownst to Client, the family member did not include Client on title to the home. Client also feared for her afety and sought an elder abuse restraining order. Client would now like to bring a civil action against the family member to ensure her name is added to title or a return of the funds she contributed to purchase the home.
*Client is a monolingual Vietnamese speaker*
Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1045127
Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking widow in her 70s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) financing through a door-to-door salesperson to make improvements to her home, some of which she does not believe were energy efficient or were done poorly. All discussions were in Spanish, and all documents she signed were in English. As a result of the work, Client's property taxes have increased by over $10,000 a year. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.
Social Security Overpayment, PLC 20E-1050964
Client is in his 70s and is seeking assistance understanding and disputing an alleged overpayment of social security benefits. Social Security benefits currently make up Client's only income and they have been drastically reduced as a result of the alleged overpayment. Client is under tremendous stress and hopes resolution of the issue will give him peace of mind and enable him to pay for his necessary needs.
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1049286
Client is an English speaker in her early 30s. Client was sued for an alleged credit card debt, and she disputes the amount of the debt. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for January 2021*
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late April 2021*
Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Medical Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1048966
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her 50s. Client was sued for an alleged medical debt but she was unaware of what her obligations were to respond to the lawsuit and a default judgment was entered in against her. Client disagrees with the amount of the debt and believes she is not responsible for a large portion of the alleged debt. Client seeks assistance setting aside the default judgment and defending herself in this matter.
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Default Divorce, PLC 20-1050441
Client is disabled with two children, whose only current source of income is the disability payments she is receiving. The client's attorney of record entered the default in the case but did not enter the default judgment, and the client is unable to pay for additional services. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to request a default hearing and represent her when the courts reopen. Services, including representation, can easily be provided remotely in this matter.
Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children.
*Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency*
Dissolution, PLC 19-1047091
Client is a single parent of special needs child who seeks representation in divorce proceeding including issues regarding breach of fiduciary duty, violation of ATRO's, and adverse party's multiple retirement accounts. At Issue Memorandum will be filed but trial has not yet been set.
Modification of Spousal and Child Support, PLC 20-1051699
Client is a single mother who needs assistance in modifying the current spousal support and child support orders. Adverse Party’s income is much greater than Client’s income and receives royalties from some of his projects. Adverse Party recently told Client that he has decided to give her less support. No court order has been issued allowing for a reduction in support. Client has a learning disability and is unable to go through a request for discovery on her own.
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LITIGATION — FEDERAL COURT |
Federal District Court Litigation – Mandamus, PLC 20E-1051739
Clients are a father and son who are applying for asylum. Clients believe they are improperly being denied their employment authorization. Clients would like assistance filing a mandamus action in District Court to force the federal agency to take appropriate action.
Federal District Court Litigation - Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051272
Client is an English speaker in his 30s appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. Client is unable to work and needs to depend on these benefits to survive. Client is in the process of filing his complaint pro se, but Client is seeking representation in this matter in order to give him the best chance of obtaining a reversal of the ALJ's decision.
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LITIGATION — PRESERVATION OF HOUSING |
Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.
Furthering Fair Housing Laws, PLC 20E-1049214
Client is a person with mental health disabilities. Client receives a federal subsidy to rent in the private market. Although client is now stably housed, the housing provider that refused to rent to her caused her mental anguish that exacerbated her mental health condition and resulted in her hospitalization. Client seeks to file suit against the housing provider to ensure compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Discrimination, PLC 20E-1051216
Client is a single-mother of two minor children. She seeks to sue her landlord for unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of race, and other civil claims related to breach of contract, including breach of the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. Client's landlord used racial slurs against her and her children, resulting in a constructive eviction. Client seeks assistance with filing a complaint with the State Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and if necessary, in civil court.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Health and Safety, PLC 20E-1051370
Client has a disability and has been adversely affected by smoke from her neighbor's apartments for multiple years now. The property management company is on notice, but rather than address the issues, the company has dismissed her concerns and even retaliated against her. Client's apartment was recently tested and high rates of illegal drugs were present in her home were found. Client would like to assert her rights against the property management company for the damage to her property and her physical health.
Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1045127
Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking widow in her 70s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) financing through a door-to-door salesperson to make improvements to her home, some of which she does not believe were energy efficient or were done poorly. All discussions were in Spanish, and all documents she signed were in English. As a result of the work, Client's property taxes have increased by over $10,000 a year. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.
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Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20-1051032
Clients are seeking to establish a limited conservatorship over their soon-to-be adult son who has epilespy. Due to his medical condition, he requires constant supervision and assistance with completing most activities of daily living. Clients want their adult-daughter to serve as their co-conservator. All second degree relatives are known and located. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20-1051711
Clients seek to establish a limited conservatorship over their daughter, who is turning 18 in a few months. Clients' daughter's diagnosis is intellectul retardation and has the mental capacity of a 4-year-old child. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20E-1049576
Client is a 45- year-old woman with low income seeking conservatorships for her two adult children. Her 18-year-old son has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is unable to care for himself. Her 21-year-old daughter is hearing impaired and unable to manage basic affairs such as doctors appointments..
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Discrimination Based on Race, PLC 20E-1051117
Client is an African American male. He was using public transit earlier this year when he was harassed and assaulted by a white couple. Client would like assistance shepherding his administrative complaints through the process and exploring the possibility of litigation.
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REENTRY/CONVICTION RELIEF |
Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Conviction, PLC 20E-1051470
Client was trafficked into sex work in Orange County when she was a teenager. More than ten years ago, during the course of her trafficking, she was convicted of prostitution and keeping a house of ill-fame. After over a decade in an abusive relationship with her trafficker, she was finally able to escape. Since then, she has focused on building a new life and being a devoted mother to her five American-born children. Client would like assistance with seeking a vacatur of her 2005 convictions.
Vacatur of Criminal Charges, PLC 20E-1050968
Client came to the United States to escape harassment and abuse in her home country. Upon arrival in California, Client was taken in by a man who purported to be her boyfriend. He instead prostituted her and she ended up with criminal charges directly related to her trafficking. Client was eventually able to escape and has now been married for ten years. Client would like to seek vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles County.
Vacatur of Criminal Charges, PLC 20E-1050681
Client was essentially kidnapped when she was homeless as a teenager. The man forced the client into prostitution and she was arrested by an undercover officer. Client was eventually able to escape, to reconnect with family and friends and is pursuing a college degree. Client would like assistance seeking vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles County.
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Nonprofit (Arts Education) - Trademark, PLC 20-1051135
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to is to positively impact youth through arts mentoring programs and to enhance the skills of local artists through community engagement Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection for its logo and program name.
Nonprofit (Environmental Protection) - Review of Copyright Release, PLC 20-1051424
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore and maintain a local community park. Client has created a calendar using photographs taken by local photographers and seeks legal assistance with reviewing a standard release to use the photographs.
Nonprofit (Transitional Housing) - LLC Conversion, PLC 20-1051499
Client is a housing provider for young adults in need of a safe and supportive housing environment. Client is currently set up as an LLC, but wishes to convert to a nonprofit organization. Clients seeks legal assistance preparing the necessary corporate documents and applying for federal and state tax exempt status.
Small Business - LLC Restructuring, 20-1051544
Client is a low-income co-owner of a start-up online business, currently operated under a Delaware LLC. Client's co-owner no longer wishes to be part of the business and is demanding that the LLC be dissolved. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on how to maintain his interest, and keep the business operating.
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Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17E-1038521
Client is a Marine Corps veteran in his 50s. He is seeking assistance upgrading his General under Honorable Conditions discharge to an Honorable discharge. The client believes he was separated unfairly and was given false information about the consequences of a General discharge. He seeks a discharge upgrade to obtain VA benefits and for his own peace of mind about the character of his service.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC
Client is a decorated combat veteran who served in the United States Army from 2008-2011. He was discharged with a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of service for misconduct. Client has impeccable post-service conduct. His strong interest in pursing a discharge upgrade is so that he can re-enlist in the military and serve his country during these trying times. Client would like to be upgraded to Honorable and change his re-enlistment code.
Dismissal/Expungment, PLC 20E-1049409
Client is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was recently discharged with an honorable discharge. Client has one criminal conviction on her record which is preventing her from obtaining employment after her discharge. Client would like assistance with terminating her probation early and submitting a request for dismissal of the misdemeanor.
*Venue is San Diego Superior Court, but Client lives in Orange County*
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