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September 15, 2022


Greetings Leigh,


It has been a busy few weeks – everywhere, it seems. We will hopefully get back on track with getting our volunteer opportunities out more regularly!


We have a bunch of new transactional matters on this case list, as well as a few litigation matters involving home improvement financing and elder abuse, that are ready for volunteers. We also have two more urgent ninth circuit immigration matters.


We would love to get these cases off the case list as soon as we can – reach out and let us know how you can help!

LeighFerrin photo.png


Sincerely,


Leigh Ferrin

Director of Legal Services

PRACTICE AREAS

ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN

No cases at this time.

APPEALS

Ninth Circuit Immigration Appeals

PLC has two clients who are appealing an adverse decision from the Board of Immigration Appeals to the Ninth Circuit. In both cases, the petitions for review have been filed, and they are at the briefing stage. The issues involve the clients’ ability to introduce evidence and credibility determinations by the Immigration Judge. These two cases have upcoming briefing deadlines and are in urgent need of placement.

Email Director of Legal Services Leigh Ferrin

DISABILITY RIGHTS

No cases at this time.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

Divorce, PLC 22-0069572

Client is in her early 60s and unable to work due to a physical disability. She is seeking assistance in finalizing her divorce and obtaining spousal support after a long-term marriage, in which the adverse party committed domestic violence against her. There are no minor children. The main community asset is a military pension, so client seeks an attorney familiar with military divorces. 

Email Supervising Attorney Joanna Wong


Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 22-0064527

Client is a victim of domestic violence at the hand of her ex-partner. Client reported the abuse and received a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Client is currently seeking assistance in applying for a U-Visa for herself.

Email Staff Attorney Precious Odum

FEDERAL INCOME TAX

No cases at this time.

FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION

Civil Judgment Collection, PLC 21-1054211

Client is a woman in her 60s. Client has an Orange County divorce judgement containing an order for opposing party to reimburse her for “marital waste” in the amount of $105,000. Opposing party has not made any payments towards that amount. Opposing party currently lives outside of the United States but is believed to have bank accounts in the United States. Client seeks a pro bono attorney to assist with recovering from opposing party. 

Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Civil Trafficking Lawsuit, PLC 22-0064255

Client is a survivor of labor trafficking, by an acquaintance who promised client an education and a job. Client was forced to work for the trafficker, and eventually was sexually abused by the trafficker. Client was able to escape and is connected to local services, but would like to pursue a civil action against the trafficker.

Email Staff Attorney Precious Odum

IMMIGRATION

Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 22-0064527

Client is a victim of domestic violence at the hand of her ex-partner. Client reported the abuse and received a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Client is currently seeking assistance in applying for a U-visa for herself.

*Client is monolingual Spanish speaker*

Email Staff Attorney Precious Odum

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Nonprofit – Review of Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, PLC 22-0060067

Client is an existing nonprofit organization that serves Orange County residents. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing its current website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou

JUSTICE FOR OLDER ADULTS

Elder Financial Abuse, ​PLC ​21E-1054246

Client is in his 70s. During an emotionally stressful time for client, a family member took advantage of Client, resulting in the sale of Client’s home, and a loss of thousands of dollars. The family member has refused to make Client whole, which has impacted Client’s ability to support himself. Client seeks assistance in recovering these funds and protecting himself from future financial abuse by this individual.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett


Elder Financial Abuse,​ PLC​ 21E-1054338

Client is in her 70s. Client was approached at her home by a door-to-door salesperson to buy and install an alarm system. The salesperson pressured Client to pay for this system, despite her belief that it was unnecessary. Client was able to cancel the contract, and alarm system was never installed. However, the salesperson has refused to return funds Client paid up front. Client would like assistance recovering these funds.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett


Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, PLC 22-0068039

Client is in her 60s. After Client’s spouse passed away a couple of years ago, their house was placed solely in client’s name since the spouses held title as joint tenants. Client would like to create a living trust and place the house in it for the benefit of her adult children.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett


Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, PLC 22-0068122

Client is in her 70s. Client would like assistance understanding why stocks in her husband’s name were not transferred to her upon his death. If possible, client would like assistance in transferring them into her name.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett


Mobilehome Resident Advocacy, PLC 22-00

Clients are a group of mobilehome residents who are seeking assistance negotiating with their mobilehome park regarding rent increases. They have been in communication with their city government and they believe it is in their best interest to have representation for an upcoming, but to-be-scheduled mediation. If the rent increases go forward, many of the residents of the senior mobilehome park will be displaced

Email Supervising Attorney Richard Walker


Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1047995

Client is in her 60’s and speaks Spanish. Client was solicited for so-called energy efficient home improvements by a door-to-door salesperson. Client considered the improvements, but never actually signed a contract. Without client’s understanding, the contractor financed home improvements through a tax assessment on client’s property. The contractor never started work on the project, and client was shocked to learn what happened when she received her next property tax statement. Client is seeking assistance recovering the money she paid to remove the tax assessment so she can pay back the countless friends and family who helped her raise that money.

Email Director of Legal Services Leigh Ferrin

LITIGATION — DEBT

No cases at this time.

LITIGATION — FAMILY LAW

Civil Judgment Collection, PLC 21-1054211

Client is a woman in her 60s. Client has an Orange County divorce judgment containing an order for opposing party to reimburse her for “marital waste” in the amount of $105,000. Opposing party has not made any payments towards that amount. Opposing party currently lives outside of the United States but is believed to have bank accounts in the United States. Client seeks a pro bono attorney to assist with recovering from opposing party. 

Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran


Dissolution, PLC 21-1054305

Client is a Vietnamese male in his 70s in divorce proceedings. The opposing party claims that Client has a retirement account and is requesting those funds be divided, but Respondent states that the retirement funds were depleted during their lengthy marriage. Opposing party is represented. Client seeks a pro bono attorney for representation in settlement negotiations or trial.

*Client speaks limited English, but has an interpreter who can assist.*

Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran


Divorce, PLC 22-0069572

Client is in her early 60s and unable to work due to a physical disability. She is seeking assistance in finalizing her divorce and obtaining spousal support after a long-term marriage, in which the adverse party committed domestic violence against her. There are no minor children. The main community asset is a military pension, so client seeks an attorney familiar with military divorces. 

Email Supervising Attorney Joanna Wong

LITIGATION — FEDERAL COURT

No cases at this time.

LITIGATION — PRESERVATION OF HOUSING

Contract/Property Dispute, PLC 21E-1053819

Client is in her 50s. Client owned her home in joint tenancy. While client was recovering from surgery, the joint tenant transferred their own interest in the property to the adverse party. Over the time that client and adverse party owned the home, the adverse party did not contribute to the maintenance of the home and upon sale of the home, the adverse party did not pay client her appropriate interest.​ ​Client would like assistance recovering these funds.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett


Habitability Impact Case, PLC 22-006

A group of tenants has reached out to PLC because of serious habitability concerns in their building. The local housing authority is familiar with the issues and the building has not been able to pass a habitability inspection. The clients would like to pursue litigation to ensure the landlord is providing them safe, habitable units.

Email Supervising Attorney Richard Walker


Mobilehome Resident Advocacy, PLC 22-0066121

Clients are a group of mobilehome residents who are seeking assistance negotiating with their mobilehome park regarding rent increases. They have been in communication with their city government and they believe it is in their best interest to have representation for an upcoming, but to-be-scheduled mediation. If the rent increases go forward, many of the residents of the senior mobilehome park will be displaced.

Email Supervising Attorney Richard Walker


Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, ​PLC ​21E-1053491

Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her late 40s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for work that was never completed on her home. All discussions related to the home "improvements" were in Spanish, and all documents related to the home "improvements" she signed were in English. As a result of the PACE assessment, Client's property taxes have increased by over $10,000 a year, an amount she is unable to pay. Client fears losing her home. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.

Email Director of Legal Services Leigh Ferrin


Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 20-1051904

Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 50s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for work that was never completed on her home. All discussions related to the home "improvements" were in Spanish, and all documents related to the home "improvements" she signed were in English. As a result of the PACE assessment, Client's property taxes have increased by over $4,000 a year, an amount she is unable to pay. Client fears losing her home. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.

Email Director of Legal Services Leigh Ferrin


Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1047995

Client is in her 60s and speaks Spanish. Client was solicited for so-called energy efficient home improvements by a door-to-door salesperson. Client considered the improvements, but never actually signed a contract. Without client’s understanding, the contractor financed home improvements through a tax assessment on client’s property. The contractor never started work on the project, and client was shocked to learn what happened when she received her next property tax statement. Client is seeking assistance recovering the money she paid to remove the tax assessment so she can pay back the countless friends and family who helped her raise that money.

Email Director of Legal Services Leigh Ferrin


Writ and Stay of Eviction, PLC 21-0062275

Client is a veteran, is living with multiple disabilities, and is a recipient of a housing voucher who is at risk of being displaced. The housing authority is threatening to terminate his voucher based on misundestandings and miscommunications. Client believes that the housing authority’s determination is incorrect and would like assistance challenging that decision. PLC would like to co​-​counsel the case.

Email Supervising Attorney Ryan Ueda

LITIGATION — PROBATE

Limited Conservatorship, PLC 22-0065202

Clients are Spanish speakers who seek to petition to be appointed as limited co-conservators of their son, who has a developmental disability. The mother is the primary caregiver, who assists her son to complete his daily living needs. Son has an individual program plan with the Regional Center. 

Email Staff Attorney Jean Bak


Limited Conservatorship, PLC 21-0060799

Client is a mother in her early 50s who seeks to petition to be appointed as a limited conservator of her daughter who is diagnosed with a developmental and intellectual disability. Mother is unemployed and collaborates with her entire family to support the daily living activities of her daughter. Daughter has an individualized program plan for life services.

*Client speaks Spanish.*

Email Supervising Attorney Manohar Sukumar


Probate Litigation, PLC 22-0064436

Client held a joint account with her friend. Her friend recently passed away, and the balance in the joint account, including funds that were Client’s, were seized. Client seeks assistance with recovering her money from the joint account before her friend’s estate is distributed. PLC would be willing to co​-​counsel if a volunteer could provide mentorship and expertise.

Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett

RACE EQUITY

No cases at this time.

ReENTRY/CONVICTION RELIEF

No cases at this time.

TRANSACTIONAL

Nonprofit (Arts Education) – Employment Advice & Counsel, PLC 22-0069575

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide therapeutic art programs for children and young adults. Client seeks legal advice & counsel with understanding its EDD obligations when current and former employees claim unemployment insurance benefits.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Community Garden) – Insurance Coverage Advice & Counsel, PLC 22-0069576

Client is an existing 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide community and educational experiences through community gardening. Client seeks legal advice & counsel with understanding and reviewing a potential general liability insurance policy.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou     


Nonprofit (Education) – Incorporation, PLC 22-0069570

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational counseling to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Client is currently registered as a foreign corporation with the Secretary of State and seeks legal assistance with reincorporating in California.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Education, Senior Support) – Reclassification of Tax-Exempt Status, PLC 22-0069372

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support for youth education and senior activities. Client is classified as a private foundation with the IRS and seeks legal assistance with applying for reclassification as a public charity.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Food Education and Access) – Contract Review, PLC 22-0070232

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote education and access to fresh food for OC residents. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing and possibly renegotiating an agreement with a local municipality.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Health Access) – Contract Drafting, PLC 22-0070231

Client is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure health access in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a standard subcontractor agreement.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Performance Art) – Employment Law/Worker Classification, PLC 22-0069865

Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote dance education and performance in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with determining whether certain workers are properly classified as independent contractors under CA law.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit (Small Business Support) – Contract Review, PLC 22-0069574

Client is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide incubation and support for new small businesses in Orange County. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing a proposed service contract/MOU.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou


Nonprofit – Review of Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, PLC 22-0060067

Client is an existing nonprofit organization that serves Orange County residents. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing its current website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Email Directing Attorney Sarah Efthymiou

VETERANS

No cases at this time.

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