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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,
Because of increased demand in the county and a recent
collaborative press event held with Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Orange County last Friday, April 7 with Congressman Lou Correa, we will be holding more naturalization fairs than in years past. We are always in need of volunteer support, and this year more than ever.
The next naturalization fair is just a week away. For those of you who have not yet been to a naturalization fair and feel like now might be a good time to get involved, we have a training on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 pm at Chapman Law School. You can register for the training at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Natz042217.
If you have already attended a naturalization training and would like to volunteer at the fair on Saturday, April 22, please email Roxana Rosas,
rrosas@publiclawcenter.org, directly so that we can schedule you for a shift. Thank you, and we hope to see you at one of our fairs 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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No cases at this time.
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APPEALS
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No cases at this time.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037229
Client is in his early 40s. Client ceased making payments on his unsecured debts because he could not afford to do so while continuing to pay for his basic living expenses. Client recently became unemployed and has drained his savings to make ends meet. He seeks pro bono services to help him file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037222
Client is in her early 60s with debts totaling about $40,000. Client lost her job at the end of last year and has struggled to make ends meet since then. She has relied on her unemployment and drained her savings to stay current on her debts, but can no longer afford to do so. She seeks assistance with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Bankruptcy, PLC 16-1036835
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 40s with debts totaling about $35,000. Client is low-income and stopped paying her credit cards in early 2016 because she was unable to continue making payments while helping to support her 4 children. She fears possible wage garnishments in the future. Client seeks help filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
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BENEFITS
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No cases at this time.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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CUSTODY
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Custody, PLC 17-1037101
Client seeks assistance with custody modification and visitation orders for her minor children. Client suffered from domestic violence throughout the course of the relationship. Recently, client learned that adverse party has a drug addiction to crystal meth and drinks every weekend. Adverse party has not shown up for court ordered visitation. Client speaks Spanish.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS
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Illegal Lockout, PLC 17-1036951
Client is a veteran who was renting an apartment with a roommate. Before the lease was set to expire, the landlord issued a three-day notice and locked out Client without going through the court process. Client has not been allowed access to the unit. Client believes the illegal lockout was the result of the landlord discovering that he had a disability. Client would like assistance obtaining his belongings as well as damages for the illegal, discriminatory lockout.
Fair Housing/Discrimination, PLC 16-1036999
A Landlord told Client, a disabled, US Army veteran tenant that he would not provide any special accommodation for Client's disability. Landlord told Client he should move to a new location that is willing and able to meet his special needs. Three weeks later, landlord moved to terminate Client's tenancy. Client is now in the process of defending unlawful detainer lawsuit. Client would like assistance pursuing a discrimination claim against Landlord, through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the court.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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Guardianship - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 17-1037374
Client is a sixteen year old female from St. Lucia. Client has been living with her non-relative guardian in California since she was 9 months old because her parents were unable to support or care for her. Client's guardian loves, cares for and encourages client and her goals. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for her caretaker to be given legal guardianship over her while at the same time requesting that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to St. Lucia as she has no one to care for her there.
Guardianship - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 17-1037375
Client is a twelve year old male from St. Lucia. Client has been residing with his maternal grandmother in California since 2012. Client's guardian ensures that he is well cared for and encourages client. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for his grandmother to be given legal guardianship over him while at the same time requesting that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to St. Lucia as he has no one to adequately care for him there.
Email Lead Staff Attorney Jacquelyn Santos
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Reasonable Accommodation/Housing Dispute, PLC 17-1037348
Client is an in-home caretaker of his grandmother who is in her 90s. The grandmother has dementia and is bedridden due to physical disabilities. The senior living community issued a 30-day notice to Client alleging violations of the community's bylaws and CC&Rs. The allegations arise from the client's family residing with him in the home. Client has cared for his grandmother for years in this unit, and removing him as her caretaker would be devastating for the grandmother. Client seeks assistance asserting his rights and his grandmother's rights in the community.
Homeownership Fraud, PLC 17E-1037013
Client and his wife were induced to purchase a home with another couple, and the assistance of a real estate agent. Clients invested significant money into the purchase, but for financial reasons were not on title to the home. The other couple is now trying to sell the home, where Clients live, and is denying that Clients are owed anything from the sale. Clients would like to recover the money invested in the home at the very least.
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IMMIGRATION
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U-Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 17-1037191
Client is a 46 year old monolingual Spanish speaker. Client is a survivor of domestic violence and her u-visa status was granted in November of 2013 and will expire in November of 2017. Client needs assistance filing her adjustment of status application.
U-Visa Adjustment of Status, PLC 17-1037224
Client is a 38 year old monolingual Spanish speaker with 3 derivative sons. She was granted u-visa status on October 10, 2013; this status expires in October 2017. Client is seeking representation for her adjustment of status application.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Rent Abatement, PLC 17-1037063
Clients, a married couple with a young daughter, rented a studio apartment in a single-family home for a couple of years. During their time there, there were multiple problems with the unit, including no heat, no working oven, no appropriate emergency exits and cockroaches and rats on the premises. The landlord made no repairs, despite multiple notices from the city. Clients would like to pursue an action against their former landlord for rent abatement and other relief for the conditions they endured.
Illegal Lockout, PLC 17-1036951
Client is a veteran who was renting an apartment with a roommate. Before the lease was set to expire, the landlord issued a three-day notice and locked out Client without going through the court process. Client has not been allowed access to the unit. Client believes the illegal lockout was the result of the landlord discovering that he had a disability. Client would like assistance obtaining his belongings as well as damages for the illegal, discriminatory lockout.
Email Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow Tessa Riggio
Fair Housing/Discrimination, PLC 16-1036999
A Landlord told Client, a disabled, US Army veteran tenant that he would not provide any special accommodation for Client's disability. Landlord told Client he should move to a new location that is willing and able to meet his special needs. Three weeks later, landlord moved to terminate Client's tenancy. Client is now in the process of defending unlawful detainer lawsuit. Client would like assistance pursuing a discrimination claim against Landlord, through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the court.
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LITIGATION
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Homeownership Fraud, PLC 17E-1037013
Client and his wife were induced to purchase a home with another couple, and the assistance of a real estate agent. Clients invested significant money into the purchase, but for financial reasons were not on title to the home. The other couple is now trying to sell the home, where Clients live, and is denying that Clients are owed anything from the sale. Clients would like to recover the money invested in the home at the very least.
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NAME CHANGE
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Name Change, PLC 17-1037137
Client is a single mother, seeking assistance with petitioning the court for a Name Change for herself and her young son. Client and her son currently reside at a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She seeks to change their names and identities so that she and her son can begin to rebuild their lives.
Name Change, PLC 17-1037160
Clients are seeking a name change for their six year old daughter. When their daughter was born, the father erroneously wrote down the daughter's last name as the mother's maiden name. All parties want the daughter to have the father's last name, and they need legal assistance to do so.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Youth Development) - Bylaws, Chapter Affiliation Agreement, PLC 17-1037310
Client is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide community service and leadership opportunities for high school students. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing its bylaws and chapter affiliation agreement, as well as preparing standard policy and procedure manuals.
Nonprofit (Music Education) - Formation, PLC 17-1037211
Client is an existing nonprofit organization whose mission is to music education to Southern California youth. Client is currently operating under a fiscal sponsorship and wishes to form its own 501(c)(3). Client seeks legal assistance with forming a CA Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exemption.
Nonprofit (Health Education) - Start-up, PLC 17-1037200
The client is a new nonprofit organization, whose mission is to provide mentorship and scholarships for Latino students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with forming a California nonprofit public benefit corporation and completing the post-incorporation formalities. Client also seeks assistance with obtaining federal and state tax exemption.
Nonprofit (Education) - Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement, PLC 17-1037141
Client is a nonprofit organization currently working with a fiscal sponsor. Client has created intellectual property, which the fiscal sponsor would like to use. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing a licensing agreement between itself and the sponsor for the use of the property.
Nonprofit (Sobriety Support) - Social Enterprise/Taxation, PLC 17-1037056
Client is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support men and women, and veterans in particular, who have struggled with substance abuse. As a way of raising funds, client intends to sell logo merchandise on its website. Client seeks legal advice and guidance on how to structure the sales to maintain its nonprofit status. Client also seeks assistance with obtaining a seller's permit from the CA Board of Equalization.
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business - Trademarks, Incorporation, PLC 17-1037253
Client is a low income owner of a product design small business. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection for her brand, as well as guidance with incorporating the business.
Small Business - Contracts, PLC 17-1037307
Client is a low income owner of a product branding small business. Client is expanding her business and has requested legal assistance with drafting a standard contract to present to potential clients. Client also seeks legal assistance with filing for a dba for the business.
Small Business - Formation, PLC 17-1037253
Client is a low income entrepreneur who plans to start a social enterprise apparel business. Client seeks legal guidance with choosing and forming the appropriate business entity to operate his business.
Small Business (Health Products) - Start-up, Commercial Lease Review, PLC 17-1037197
The client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a new retail small business to encourage a healthy lifestyle for local residents. The business is currently structured as a sole-proprietorship. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with choosing the appropriate legal structure to run his business. The client also seeks legal assistance with reviewing a commercial lease for his proposed business site.
Small Business (Art Exhibitions) - Commercial Lease Review, PLC 17-1037192
The client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a new small business to showcase local underrepresented artists. The business is currently structured as a sole-proprietorship. Client has identified a potential site to run her business and seeks legal assistance with reviewing the proposed commercial lease.
Small Business (E-commerce) - PLC 17-1037123
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting an e-commerce business. Client seeks legal advice and guidance with developing standard terms and conditions for users of the business website.
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Guardianship - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 17-1037374
Client is a sixteen year old female from St. Lucia. Client has been living with her non-relative guardian in California since she was 9 months old because her parents were unable to support or care for her. Client's guardian loves, cares for and encourages client and her goals. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for her caretaker to be given legal guardianship over her while at the same time requesting that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to St. Lucia as she has no one to care for her there.
Guardianship - Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, PLC 17-1037375
Client is a twelve year old male from St. Lucia. Client has been residing with his maternal grandmother in California since 2012. Client's guardian ensures that he is well cared for and encourages client. Client seeks assistance petitioning the court for his grandmother to be given legal guardianship over him while at the same time requesting that the Court make the relevant Special Immigrant Juvenile Findings. It is not in the client's best interest to be returned to St. Lucia as he has no one to adequately care for him there.
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VETERANS
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VA Benefits - Service-Connected Compensation, PLC 16-1036705
Client is a 60 year old veteran who underwent surgery at a VA medical facility. As a result of the surgery, Client had to have many more surgeries and was hospitalized for an extensive period of time. Client still has difficulties walking. Client seeks assistance with a 38 U.S.C. 1151 claim which allows recovery of VA service-connected compensation when a disability results from care at a VA medical facility.
Illegal Lockout, PLC 17-1036951
Client is a veteran who was renting an apartment with a roommate. Before the lease was set to expire, the landlord issued a three-day notice and locked out Client without going through the court process. Client has not been allowed access to the unit. Client believes the illegal lockout was the result of the landlord discovering that he had a disability. Client would like assistance obtaining his belongings as well as damages for the illegal, discriminatory lockout.
Fair Housing/Discrimination, PLC 16-1036999
A Landlord told Client, a disabled, US Army veteran tenant that he would not provide any special accommodation for Client's disability. Landlord told Client he should move to a new location that is willing and able to meet his special needs. Three weeks later, landlord moved to terminate Client's tenancy. Client is now in the process of defending unlawful detainer lawsuit. Client would like assistance pursuing a discrimination claim against Landlord, through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the court.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035337
Client served in the Navy in the late 1980s. He was discharged with an Other than Honorable due to drug abuse. Client found the wrong crowd when he was in the military and when he agreed to his discharge, he did not understand the consequences of declining rehabilitation. After his discharge, he attended school and entered rehabilitation. He has maintained steady employment for over twenty years. Client would like assistance applying to the Board for Correction of Naval Records for a discharge upgrade.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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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.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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