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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,
If you are a basketball fan as I am, then this is probably one of your favorite times of the year. I personally prefer the NCAA, so March Madness is when I'm happiest. But the NBA playoffs are fun too, and we are heading into the home stretch - the conference finals and the NBA finals. This is when basketball gets really good; people actually play defense and fight for loose balls. You can feel the urgency when you watch the games, you can see it in the players and the coaches, and you can hear it in the stadiums around the country.
Our clients often live with that same sense of urgency on a daily basis. I recently worked with a client who is dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Her illness has caused her a variety of problems, some of them legal. If we are able to help her resolve the legal issues, it will give her a true sense of accomplishment, not just because the legal issue is behind her, but because she has worked so hard to overcome her barriers and she has succeeded.
Like Charles Barkley, Elgin Baylor and Patrick Ewing, I have never personally won an NBA championship. But if I had, I imagine it would be this intense feeling of relief, success and accomplishment, similar to how our clients feel when we are able to resolve their case for them. For all of you who have never won an NBA championship, wouldn't it be great to be able to take on a case, so that you can help someone have a similar feeling?
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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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BANKRUPTCY
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Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1042022
Client is a low-income veteran in his 70s with about $50,000 of unsecured debt. Client cannot afford to repay his debts on his fixed income and has recently been sued by several creditors. Client's mental health is severely affected by his debts and the resulting lawsuits. He seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to assist him with obtaining a fresh start through a discharge of his debts in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1040229
Client has about $35,000 of unsecured debt. Client took out the majority of her debts at the request of her husband, expecting that he would assist with repaying them. Now that client is a single mother and does not have her husband's support, she finds it impossible to repay the debts on her income alone. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1037627
Client is an monolingual Spanish speaking woman in her 40s with a little under $15,000 of unsecured debt. Client provides for her two young daughters and can no longer afford to support her family while continuing to pay her debts. She seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge her debts.
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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 18-1040381
Client is in his late-40s and suffers from a delicate medical condition. He has been receiving SSDI benefits for over 10 years. At a recent SSDI medical examination, client was questioned for a few minutes by a physician who has never treated him before. Shortly thereafter, client received notice that his SSDI benefits have terminated. Client appealed immediately and is seeking legal representation in his administrative appeal.
Email Lead Staff Attorney Manohar "Mark" Sukumar
Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC 18-1041771
Client has two autistic adult-children. They have developmental delay and encounter social difficulties in their daily living. Client is their primary caretaker and is being required to present proof of decision-making authority on her their behalves, especially regarding their medical care and education. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Conservatorship, PLC 18E-1041388
Client's daughter has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Her daughter is a consumer of the Regional Center of Orange County. Client states that her daughter cannot make informed medical decisions on her own. Client seeks to start the conservatorship process as soon as possible, as her daughter will turn 18 in November. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Conservatorship, PLC 18-1041613
Proposed conservatee has been diagnosed with epilepsy and has mild intellectual delay. While she is verbal and can communicate with others outside of her family, she needs constant supervision and assistance with everyday activities. Clients are her parents and seek to be her co-conservators. All family members' whereabouts are known.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
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CONSUMER
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Car Deficiency Collection Defense, PLC 18E-1040212
Client is in her 50s who has been sued by a third-party debt collector to recover a deficiency balance allegedly owed on a car. Although Client's first language is not English, the notices regarding the sale of the car and deficiency balance allegedly owed appear to be only in English. PLC assisted Client with a response to the lawsuit and Client now seeks assistance resolving this matter so that she can move forward and protect her wages. Client seeks to rescind the contract on which the plaintiff's lawsuit is based and have the lawsuit dismissed.
*Case Management Conference is set for early June 2018*
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Gonzalez
Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.
Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Car Repair Dispute, PLC 17E-1039044
Client took her car in for repairs at a local auto repair shop. After leaving the repair shop, Client discovered that significant damage had been done to her car, resulting in significant repair costs. Because she could not afford to repair her car, which was fully paid off, Client purchased a new vehicle that she had to finance with a monthly payment of almost $400. Client would like assistance pursuing the auto repair shop for the damages their shoddy work caused.
Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination. Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS
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Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 18-1040381
Client is in his late-40s and suffers from a delicate medical condition. He has been receiving SSDI benefits for over 10 years. At a recent SSDI medical examination, client was questioned for a few minutes by a physician who has never treated him before. Shortly thereafter, client received notice that his SSDI benefits have terminated. Client appealed immediately and is seeking legal representation in his administrative appeal.
Email Lead Staff Attorney Manohar "Mark" Sukumar
Social Security Disability, PLC 16-1035473
Client is in her mid-40s and suffers from a degenerative disease. Social Security denied her initial application for benefits, but with PLC's assistance, she won her district court appeal and her case has been remanded to the administrative law judge. Client seeks assistance preparing for and appearing at the hearing.
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DISSOLUTION
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Dissolution, PLC 18-1039665
Client just recently initiated the divorce process with adverse party, to whom she has been married for over twenty years. Client has filed for a restraining order against adverse party, and has survived domestic violence over the years. Adverse party has always controlled the finances as well, so Client is in need of a volunteer attorney to assist her with navigating the process. Client has one minor child of a teenage age that prefers to stay with client. There are no assets or real property; Client's main concern is obtaining financial support.
Dissolution, PLC 18-1039666
Client has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease (which limits her speech capacity) and wants help with initiating her divorce. Client's sister is currently her care taker as the husband has abused and neglected the client (sister is currently trying to obtain conservatorship as well.) The client's primary concern is having at least visitation with her children as the husband has disappeared and has not allowed Client to have any contact with the minor children.
Dissolution, PLC 17- 1039181
Client is a fluent English speaker who needs help continuing the divorce process after initiating it in October 2017. Client has been married for more than a decade and has one minor child. She is seeking full custody along with spousal and child support as well, as she has been caring for the child while father is not around. There seems to be no big issues with any property (just vehicles and a boat), along with some credit card debt. Client is in need of assistance as adverse party has control of the bank accounts as well.
Divorce, PLC 17-1039138
Client is seeking assistance finalizing her divorce case that has been ongoing for about nine years. Client will be asking for spousal support and part-ownership of, or income from, a business owned by Client's spouse, as well as a house outside of the country. Client and spouse also have debts that are community property that need resolving.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Scams, PLC Various
PLC continues to see homeowners who have been contacted by unscrupulous contractors to make energy-efficient home "improvements" that are paid for through the homeowner's property taxes. All of these cases have involved homeowners over the age of 60, and many of the homeowners have had some kind of disability or illness. PLC is looking to pursue larger scale litigation in this area, similar to cases filed by public interest organizations in Los Angeles. PLC would like to co-counsel on this litigation.
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IMMIGRATION
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VAWA and U-Visa, PLC 18E-1040292
Client is in her early 30s and is a single mother of four U.S. Citizen children, ranging in age from 17 to 2 years old. She is a survivor of physical and emotional abuse by her Legal Permanent Resident husband. In addition, her 17-year-old daughter was the victim of sexual abuse by client's father-in-law several years ago. Both client and her daughter are going to therapy.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Adjustment of Status Based on Derivative Asylum, PLC 17-1039372
Client is a 16 year old high school student. She is seeking assistance with filing an adjustment of status petition with no derivatives. Client has no health issues or disabilities, and does not have a criminal record.
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
Asylum & Deportation Defense, PLC18-1039807, 18-1040156 & 18-1040157
Client and her two minor children fled Mexico to escape severe domestic violence. They presented themselves at the border seeking asylum based on the domestic violence. Client was given a credible fear interview and determined to demonstrate a credible fear. Clients were placed in removal proceedings and their cases have been consolidated. Clients are seeking representation in their removal proceedings.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
*Asylum application must be filed by October 2018 and the next hearing is January 2019*
Asylum & Deportation Defense, PLC 18E-1039634 & 18E-1039907
Clients are mother and daughter from Central America. They came to the United States to flee severe domestic violence, which included death threats and rape. Both women were detained at the border, but have been released from detention, and are living in Orange County. Asylum application has already been submitted. Next Master Calendar hearing in Immigration Court is in early December.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1037684
Client is single mother of six U.S. Citizen Children and a resilient survivor of domestic abuse by her former partner. Client has filed a police report and obtained an emergency protective order for her and her children. Client dreams of providing her children a better life with more opportunities by adjusting her immigration status so that she does not risk deportation, leaving her children unprotected. Client is seeking assistance preparing and submitting a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Directing Attorney Monica Glicken
U-Visa, PLC 17E-1038911 & 18-1040304
Client is a teenager and is currently a student in high school. She lives with and depends on her mother who is also in immigration proceedings. Client would like assistance in filling a u-visa as a victim of an attempted kidnapping. Client's mother and her 13 year old sibling in her home country will be derivatives.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 18E-1040155
Client is in her mid-20s and makes less than $500 per month to support herself and her two children. She is a survivor of domestic violence, and her older child (who is still very young) witnesses the violence against her. Client's highest level of education is 11th grade. Client would like assistance submitting a U-Visa application for herself and her child.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038265, 17-1038266 and 17-1038267
Client is in her late 30s and is currently on disability due to pregnancy. Her monthly income consists of food stamps and child support, and her highest level of education is high school. She does not have any illnesses. She has two undocumented children and three USC children. Client is seeking assistance with filing a U-Visa petition for herself and her two undocumented children because she was the victim of a crime. A request for a U-Visa certification is pending with law enforcement.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Wrongful Eviction, PLC 18E-1042009
Client is a transgender woman with mobility disabilities who is currently living in a homeless shelter. More than a year ago, Client moved into a room and board facility and signed a month-to-month lease. After moving in, the landlord requested that he be paid directly from Client's benefits. Client declined to do this and the landlord then removed her belongings from her unit, locked her out, and drove her to a motel, where he paid for a one night stay. Client would like to sue the landlord for wrongful eviction.
Email Staff Attorney Jonathan Gibson
Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18E-1041740
Clients live in a mobilehome park in Orange County, and in February their rent check bounced. They were sent a couple of notices, but primarily speak Spanish and did not understand the notices. The clients attempted to pay the amounts owed, after requesting a statement from the park, with a check, but the park would not accept the payment. The clients own their mobilehome and are very motivated to resolve this issue with the landlord. The 60-day notice to vacate just recently expired, and Clients would like assistance defending the forthcoming unlawful detainer case that the park will likely file. PLC believes Clients have defenses to any unlawful detainer proceeding.
Unlawful Detainer (Mobile Home), PLC 18E-1041690
When Client purchased his mobilehome more than 10 years ago, there were issues with the title to the home. Client has attempted to resolve this dispute multiple times over the past 10 years but has not been successful. Client believed he had permission from the management company for the park to withhold a portion of rent until the issue was resolved, which was a reasonable assumption. After accepting Client's checks but not cashing them for a number of months, Client was served with two 3-day notices and a 60-day notice. Client would like to remain in his mobilehome and wishes to resolve this issue with the park, which he believes is possible. The 60-day notice expires in mid-May, however, and Client would like assistance defending an anticipated unlawful detainer.
Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
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LITIGATION
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IEP Appeal/District Court Litigation, PLC 18-1041933
Client is a mother of three who lives in Orange County. Two of her children have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), but the school district in which she lives has failed to implement those IEPs so that her children are unable to obtain the Free and Appropriate Education to which they are entitled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. After prevailing on some portions of the IEP but not all, Client filed two lawsuits in District Court, one for each child, to ensure that her children receive all services to which they are entitled. Client has survived motions to dismiss and would like assistance litigating the remainder of the cases.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Scams, PLC Various
PLC continues to see homeowners who have been contacted by unscrupulous contractors to make energy-efficient home "improvements" that are paid for through the homeowner's property taxes. All of these cases have involved homeowners over the age of 60, and many of the homeowners have had some kind of disability or illness. PLC is looking to pursue larger scale litigation in this area, similar to cases filed by public interest organizations in Los Angeles. PLC would like to co-counsel on this litigation.
Financial Elder Abuse, PLC 18E-1039953
Client is in his early 70s. While he was hospitalized two years ago, his son took money out of Client's safe and also used Client's debit card for personal purchases and cash withdrawals. The total amount of suspected conversion is close to $50,000. Client would like assistance getting this money returned, most likely by filing a lawsuit against his son, as written and verbal demands have not been successful.
Debt Collection Defense - Motion to Vacate, PLC 18E-1039843
Client's wages are being garnished for a judgment he did not know existed. Client has evidence that he was not home during the alleged service of the initial complaint. Client is the sole provider for his family. With the garnishment, he is not able to pay his rent and other living expenses. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to vacate the judgment. Claim of Exemption has been filed, but client is still awaiting a response.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Directing Attorney Leigh Ferrin
Fair Housing Litigation, PLC 17E-1037812
Clients are a family of four seeking assistance pursuing fair housing claims against their former landlord. Clients have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), and landlord threatened to evict them if they did not get rid of the ESA, which is a dog. Rather than engage in discussions, the landlord issued a notice terminating the tenancy. Clients were unable to find representation for the unlawful detainer trial and were evicted. After the Clients filed a complaint, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has determined there is merit to the complaint and intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the landlord. Clients seek assistance intervening in the lawsuit to pursue their fair housing claims.
Probate Litigation, PLC 17-1039099
Client has been involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She believes the current administrator of the estate may not be acting in the best interest of the estate or of the beneficiary, and that he may be breaching his fiduciary duty. She seeks assistance removing the current administrator and preserving the primary asset of the estate.
*Hearing set in Early June 2018*
Motion to Vacate, PLC 17E-1039108
Client is in his 40s and seeks pro bono assistance with a Motion to Vacate. A third party debt buyer filed a lawsuit against client a little over a decade ago, claiming that client owed on an unpaid debt that client does not recognize. The judgment was renewed earlier this year. Client was never served with the initial lawsuit nor with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment and did not find out about the lawsuit until he was served at his current address with an order to appear at a debtor's examination. Client has proof that he resided in different addresses than the ones listed on the Proof of Services.
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit (Special Education) - Commercial Lease, PLC 18-1041818
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower people with disabilities. Due to changes in programming, Client is closing one of their offices and seeks legal assistance with negotiating an early termination of the lease.
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RESTRAINING ORDER
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Restraining Order, PLC 17E-1039361
Client is a member of a protected class and has been relentlessly harassed by a third party. Client continues to receive hundreds of unsolicited calls, messages and threats of defamation, making it difficult for him to get through each day. Client seeks pro bono representation in obtaining a civil harassment restraining order as soon as possible.
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Apparel) - Contracts, PLC 18-1040634
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is operating her design business as a sole proprietorship. Client is currently working informally with another individual to manufacture her designs. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting an agreement to formalize the business relationship and to ensure that client maintains ownership of her designs.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
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IEP Appeal/District Court Litigation, PLC 18-1041933
Client is a mother of three who lives in Orange County. Two of her children have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), but the school district in which she lives has failed to implement those IEPs so that her children are unable to obtain the Free and Appropriate Education to which they are entitled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. After prevailing on some portions of the IEP but not all, Client filed two lawsuits in District Court, one for each child, to ensure that her children receive all services to which they are entitled. Client has survived motions to dismiss and would like assistance litigating the remainder of the cases.
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VETERANS
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Discharge Upgrade, PLC 16-1035674
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 30s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. The veteran enlisted prior to his 18th birthday. After four years of service, including deployment overseas, the veteran extended his enlistment contract for another two years. However, shortly after extending his contract, he had a lapse in judgment that resulted in separation with a General under Honorable Conditions discharge for "misconduct." The veteran is interested in a discharge upgrade so that he can receive GI Bill benefits and improve his employment prospects.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Probate Litigation, PLC 17-1039099
Client has been involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She believes the current administrator of the estate may not be acting in the best interest of the estate or of the beneficiary, and that he may be breaching his fiduciary duty. She seeks assistance removing the current administrator and preserving the primary asset of the estate.
*Hearing set in Early June 2018*
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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