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Make a donation to the Public Law Center to ensure that low income families and those who have nowhere else to turn get a fair shake in our sometimes confusing and complex legal system.
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Greetings, 
Now that we are in November, it is officially the start of the holiday season. For many of us that means family, food and holiday parties! For the clients on our case list below, it means more questions, uncertainty and frustration. Many of our clients have families who depend on them, and who are in need of legal help.
We have a particular need for attorneys who are willing to take on litigation cases, both affirmative and defensive, in a variety of areas of law, including housing, bankruptcy, small business, and even a restitution collection case. If you have some time to get involved before the end of the year, you will make a huge impact in our clients' lives. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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We Make Pro Bono Easy!
PLC is here to support you in your pro bono representation.
Did you know that PLC staff can:
- Answer questions you may have related to your case;
- Provide a mentor to help you;
- Supply you with samples and manuals in many areas of the law;
- Review documents and pleadings;
- Provide interpretation support in Spanish and Vietnamese;
- Arrange office space for you to meet with your client at PLC; and
- Provide malpractice coverage for your PLC pro bono case
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ADOPTION
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Adoption, PLC 16-1036238 Client is a 20 year old woman who has a three year old daughter and is expecting a second child soon. The daughter's biological father has been completely absent since before she was born, and the client is unaware of his whereabouts. Client has been with her current husband since the birth of her daughter, and he has been caring for and supporting the daughter as his own. Client and her husband would like to begin adoption proceedings for the husband to become the adoptive father of the three year old.
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APPEALS
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, 16-1036246
Client is in her early 60s and recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. A former employer has filed an action in bankruptcy alleging non-dischargeability of a debt Client agreed to repay the employer. Client did make significant payments on the debt. Client would like assistance defending the adversary proceeding and preserving the discharge of this debt.
*Client is a monolingual Vietnamese speaker.*
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, PLC 16-1035585
Client is in his 60s and survives only on government benefits. Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case as a pro se debtor in order to get a fresh start after a divorce and the loss of his business. Client received notice of an adversary proceeding seeking to except certain debts from discharge and to deny his discharge entirely. Client seeks assistance defending this matter as he does not believe he has done anything to justify not receiving a full discharge of his debts. Client primarily speaks Vietnamese.
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BENEFITS
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Denial of Benefits, PLC 16-1033574
Client is seeking assistance with appealing a denial of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for her disabled infant son. She believes that the denial stems from a misunderstanding during the intake process with the Social Security Administration due to a language barrier. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
VA Compensation Benefits, PLC 16-1035522
Client is an Army veteran in his late 50s. He served as a combat engineer in the late 1970s. He sustained a back injury during service from the constant jumping on and off of tanks and trucks. Client has never filed for VA benefits before. Client seeks assistance applying for VA compensation benefits for the disabilities he sustained while in service.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 16-1035588
Client is a separated mother-of-two who is seeking a conservatorship for her 19-year-old son. Her son has cerebral palsy and requires constant supervision as he cannot care for himself. The son is in a manual wheelchair. Client would like assistance obtaining a conservatorship over her son to be able to make medical, legal and other decisions. Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
Conservatorship, PLC 16-1034837
Client us a 44-year-old widow and a monolingual Spanish speaker. She has a 20 year old developmentally disabled son with muscular dystrophy. He has a difficult time communicating with others and gets overwhelmed when faced with having to make decisions about his medical care and treatment. Client seeks assistance with a conservatorship so she can continue to make medical decisions on behalf of her son.
Conservatorship, PLC 15-1034057
Client is seeking assistance to obtain a conservatorship over her elderly father who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Client's father experiences confusion, disorientation and his unable to make decisions on his own. His vulnerable health condition has been exploited by a co-worker in the past who has been cashing checks, and opening up lines of credit in the father's name. Client has filed an elder abuse complaint with Orange County. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
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CONSUMER
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Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 16-1036205
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 20s. Client purchased a used vehicle that began presenting several issues two days after purchase. Client believes the salesmen were aware of the vehicle's problems but intentionally failed to disclose these to her. Dealership has refused to make the necessary repairs, arguing that the warranty she purchased does not cover the specific issues. Although the sale took place primarily in Spanish, client was never given a Spanish language contract. Client seeks legal representation to help recover her damages.
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CONTRACTS
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Unfair Sales Practices, PLC 16-1036205 Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 20s. Client purchased a used vehicle that began presenting several issues two days after purchase. Client believes the salesmen were aware of the vehicle's problems but intentionally failed to disclose these to her. Dealership has refused to make the necessary repairs, arguing that the warranty she purchased does not cover the specific issues. Although the sale took place primarily in Spanish, client was never given a Spanish language contract. Client seeks legal representation to help recover her damages.
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CUSTODY
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No cases at this time.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS
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Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695
Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
VA Benefits, PLC
Client served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. During a training exercise in service, Client injured his right ankle and still suffers from this disability. Client has never filed for benefits for his ankle and is seeking assistance submitting a fully developed claim. Client's formal claim is due May 2017.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Civil Litigation Defense, PLC 16-1036247
Clients are a married couple and own a small business that used to be very successful. To support their growing business, they took out a series of loans on the advice of a company that was offering financial and advisory assistance. The company has now sued Clients, alleging default of those loans, and is attempting to foreclose on assets used to secure the loans. It is now clear that the "advice" provided to the Clients harmed their business and that the advisory company engaged in self-dealing. Clients have filed an answer and a cross-complaint and would like assistance defending/prosecuting the lawsuit going forward.
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035574
Client is in his late 50s and is divorced, with two kids. Client was married in Mexico in the 1980s. While married, they purchased a mobilehome together in Orange County that is titled in both of their names. Client and his wife divorced in Mexico in 2015. There was no disposition of property between the couple because the judge in Mexico did not have jurisdiction over property acquired and situated in the United States. Client's ex-wife has moved out of the mobilehome. Client would like to sell the mobilehome, but his ex-wife refuses to consent to the sale. Client would like assistance in disposing of the mobilehome or extricating his rightful portion so that he can move elsewhere.
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035787
Client is in her mid-40s, has a disability and is a single mother. Client owns her mobile home and was renting a room to a relative. The relative became abusive and Client was forced to file an eviction action. Client prevailed, but after judgment was entered, the relative fraudulently transferred title into his name. Client would like to file a quiet title action to protect her ownership interest in her mobile home and to preserve housing for her and her children.
Email Staff Attorney Richard Walker
Mobile Homeownership Termination PLC 16-1035576
Client is in her 70s and has a number of disabilities that make it difficult for her to get around. She is a member of a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation that owns and operates a mobilehome park in Orange County. Client also owns a mobilehome in the Park, where she has resided for almost 14 years. The corporation's Board has recently taken action to terminate the Client's membership rights and her tenancy in the Park, alleging multiple violations of the bylaws. Client believes the allegations are invalid, and she is likely entitled to reasonable accommodations that would mitigate any violations. Client would like assistance responding to the Board's action and retaining her membership and residence in the park.
Mobilehome Lot Lines Dispute, PLC 16-1035830
Client is in her early 80s and lives with a disability. Client's sister purchased a mobilehome in the 1970s and Client inherited the mobilehome when her sister passed away a little more than ten years ago. Due to an error by the owner of the mobilehome park, the lot lines were changed without notice to or consent by the mobilehome owners. This has led to a dispute between Client and a neighbor. Client seeks assistance enforcing her right to occupy the space as the lines existed when her sister purchased the mobilehome and resolving the dispute with the neighbor and the park owner.
Mobilehome Warehouse Lien, PLC 16-1035845
Client inherited a mobilehome when her father passed away recently. She has not lived in the mobilehome but, as it is the only asset of her father's estate, but like to be able to sell the mobilehome on her own terms. She has encountered resistance from the mobilehome park, which has included the park using a warehouse lien to attempt to sell the mobilehome. Client would like assistance filing an affirmative case against the park to prevent them from moving forward with the sale of the Client's mobilehome.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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No cases at this time.
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LITIGATION
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Civil Litigation Defense, PLC 16-1036247
Clients are a married couple and own a small business that used to be very successful. To support their growing business, they took out a series of loans on the advice of a company that was offering financial and advisory assistance. The company has now sued Clients, alleging default of those loans, and is attempting to foreclose on assets used to secure the loans. It is now clear that the "advice" provided to the Clients ruined their business and that the advisory company engaged in self-dealing. Clients have filed an answer and a cross-complaint and would like assistance defending/prosecuting the lawsuit going forward.
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, 16-1036246
Client is in her early 60s and recently filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. A former employer has filed an action in bankruptcy alleging non-dischargeability of a debt Client agreed to repay the employer. Client did make significant payments on the debt. Client would like assistance defending the adversary proceeding and preserving the discharge of this debt.
*Client is a monolingual Vietnamese speaker.*
Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding, PLC 16-1035585
Client is in his 60s and survives only on government benefits. Client filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case as a pro se debtor in order to get a fresh start after a divorce and the loss of his business. Client received notice of an adversary proceeding seeking to except certain debts from discharge and to deny his discharge entirely. Client seeks assistance defending this matter as he does not believe he has done anything to justify not receiving a full discharge of his debts. Client primarily speaks Vietnamese.
Quiet Title, PLC 16-1035787 Client is in her mid-40s, has a disability and is a single mother. Client owns her mobile home and was renting a room to a relative. The relative became abusive and Client was forced to file an eviction action. Client prevailed, but after judgment was entered, the relative fraudulently transferred title into his name. Client would like to file a quiet title action to protect her ownership interest in her mobile home and to preserve housing for her and her children. Mobilehome Warehouse Lien, PLC 16-1035845 Client inherited a mobilehome when her father passed away recently. She has not lived in the mobilehome but, as it is the only asset of her father's estate, but like to be able to sell the mobilehome on her own terms. She has encountered resistance from the mobilehome park, which has included the park using a warehouse lien to attempt to sell the mobilehome. Client would like assistance filing an affirmative case against the park to prevent them from moving forward with the sale of the Client's mobilehome.
Restitution Collection, PLC 16-103TBD
Client was the victim of a foreclosure rescue scam that cost Client thousands of dollars. The perpetrator was prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney, was placed on probation and had a restitution order entered against her. The perpetrator paid about one third of the restitution order while on probation. Now that the perpetrator is off probation, Client seeks to convert the restitution order to a civil judgment and collect from the perpetrator's assets. Email DIrecting Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695 Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit - Start-Up (Youth Education), PLC 16-1036254
Client is a nonprofit organization currently operating under fiscal sponsorship. Client's mission is to reduce the rate of drowning worldwide. Client seeks legal assistance with incorporating as a CA nonprofit public benefit corporation, as well as applying for federal and state tax-exemption.
Nonprofit - Start-Up (Literacy), PLC 16-1036242
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase literacy and spread the love of reading in marginalized local neighborhoods. Client seeks legal assistance with incorporating as a CA nonprofit public benefit corporation, as well as applying for federal and state tax-exemption.
Nonprofit (Charitable Services) - Franchise/Chapters, PLC 16-1034807Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to harness the charitable energy of its members, specifically women tennis players, to assist and fundraise for underprivileged communities. Client is considering establishing additional chapters within California and other states, and seeks legal advice and guidance on how to set up chapters as a nonprofit organization. Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business - Trademarks (e-commerce), PLC 16-1036241
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a new e-commerce sales business. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with intellectual property issues, specifically relating to trademark protection.
Email Senior Lead Staff Attorney Sarah Efthymiou
Small Business (Automotive) - Litigation/Negotiation, PLC 16-1036151
The client is a low-income Orange County resident who leases a storefront for his automotive business. A local government agency exercised its power of eminent domain to acquire a construction easement over the parking lot next to the business. Client claims that his business has suffered as a result of the construction, specifically due to obstruction to the entrance and street closures. Client's actual losses greatly exceed the amount originally offered by the agency for anticipated losses. Client seeks legal assistance with determining his options for additional relief.
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VETERANS
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Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant Dispute, PLC 16-1035695 Client is an elderly disabled veteran who shares a room at a local group home for veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Client's rent was recently increased significantly. Client believes this rent increase is improper and would like assistance determining if there are protections for those in his situation.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1034936
Client is a Marine Corps veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom. Client injured his back during service and was placed on light duty for a significant period of time. Client's Commander did not want him in the unit any longer and discharged him, claiming he had a chronic adjustment disorder. Client does not suffer from this disorder and believes he was improperly diagnosed and wrongly given a General discharge. Client would like assistance in applying for a discharge upgrade, as well as for medical retirement.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035153
Client is a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East during Operation Enduring Freedom. During Client's service, he experienced several traumatic events, and began suffering from PTSD. In an effort to deal with his PTSD, Client self-medicated with Marijuana, and tested positive during a drug screening. Client was subsequently given an Other Than Honorable Discharge. Since discharge, Client has been a productive member of society. Client would like assistance applying for a discharge upgrade.
VA Benefits, PLC
Client served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. During a training exercise in service, Client injured his right ankle and still suffers from this disability. Client has never filed for benefits for his ankle and is seeking assistance submitting a fully developed claim. Client's formal claim is due May 2017.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Living Trust, PLC 16-1035782
Client is a 58-year old low income father of three adult children, one of whom is disabled. Client and his wife executed wills several years ago and, now that their children are adults, they wish to create a living trust. Client seeks legal assistance with creating the trust.
Client is very low income Orange County resident and cancer survivor. Client was recently awarded a settlement from an employment discrimination claim resulting from her cancer diagnosis. Client seeks legal assistance with establishing a Special Needs Trust to hold the settlement funds.
Special Needs Trust, PLC 16-1035903
Client is seeking assistance with setting up a Special Needs Trust for his 4-year-old son, who has severe autism, developmental disability, and intellectual disability. Client is his son's primary caregiver. Aside from connecting well with the family's puppy, who keeps him calm, Client's son requires constant supervision by his parents, who tend to him 24-hours a day.
Appointment of New Trustee, PLC 16-1035810
Client is the father of a young child who is permanently mentally and physically disabled as a result of medical negligence. As a result of her injuries, Client's daughter obtained a large medical malpractice settlement, which is now part of a special needs trust. The trustee is a professional fiduciary and the client is the "Trust Protector" with the power to appoint a new trustee with court approval. The trustee has continually refused to release funds for items which Client feels are necessary for his daughter's care. Client seeks assistance filing with the court to appoint a new trustee.
Irrevocable Trust, PLC 13-1026659
Client is a 64 year old widow who owns her home and some restaurant equipment. She would like to create an irrevocable trust of all of her property with her children as beneficiaries. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Revision of Trust, PLC 16-1035457
Client is an Army veteran who served during Vietnam. Client had a trust created several years ago, but Client would like to revise it. Client is seeking assistance updating his trust to include new property that he has acquired, as well as changing the beneficiaries.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Will, PLC 16-1035355
Client is in her late 60s. She owns no real property, but owns an interest in a non-profit co-op where she lives. Client wishes to create a simple will to split her personal property between her daughters.
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Public Law Center
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(714) 541-1010 |
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