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Greetings,
If you are paying attention to the news over the last few months, you know our immigration clients and advocates are facing some serious challenges right now.
While PLC does not have staff at the border, we have attorneys who are at the local detention facilities in Orange County and the Inland Empire on a regular basis and who are working to do what we can to alleviate the fear and challenges faced by our immigrant clients. We want to reiterate that any work you are able to do, whether it is reunifying families, applying for U-Visa and VAWA applications for victims of crime and their family members or litigating an asylum case in a deportation proceeding for a detained mother, you are strengthening our communities.
We are also calling for volunteers interested in handling bond hearings for our detained clients. The cases come in quickly and require a short turnaround, but anecdotally, the client's chances of success at getting bond is greatly increased when there is a lawyer present at the hearing. If you would like to learn more about these cases and/or are interested in getting involved, please reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you and to doing all that we can to ensure our friends, co-workers and neighbors feel safe in their communities.
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin,
Directing Attorney,
Pro Bono Programs
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PRO BONO
GUARDIANSHIP
TRAINING
August 6, 2018
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
at the Orange County Bar Association
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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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APPEALS
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Appeal to Appellate Division, PLC 18E-1041740
Client recently lost an unlawful detainer trial filed by his mobilehome park. Client has tried to work with the park for months to resolve the issues with the park, but the park pushed forward with the eviction despite his efforts. Based on his defenses, he believes judgment should not have been entered against him. Client would like assistance with handling his appeal, which would be to the Appellate Division. PLC will assist Client with the Notice of Appeal and a Stay of Proceedings Pending Appeal.
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BANKRUPTCY
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Ch. 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 18E-1042205
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker with approximately $30,000 of unsecured debt. A creditor has already obtained a judgment against client and she fears having her wages garnished. Client depends on her entire paycheck to support her family because she is a single mom and sole provider for her four minor daughters. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to discharge her debts in a 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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Limited Conservatorship, PLC 18-1042527
Proposed conservatee has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism. He will begin the twelfth grade in the fall and will turn eighteen in mid-August 2018. While he is verbal and can communicate with others outside of his family, he needs constant supervision and assistance with everyday tasks. Clients are the mother and older sister of proposed conservatee and seek to be his co-conservators. All family members' whereabouts are known.
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CONSUMER
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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.
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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 18E-104TBD
Client is the mother of a young girl whose safety she believes may be at risk. The father of the child has filed a dissolution action and obtained a default. Client is extremely worried about the custody issues because she believes her daughter will be in danger while visiting her father A default was entered against Client and she has filed a Motion to Vacate the judgment. Client would like assistance at the hearing, which is in mid-July.
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.
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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EMPLOYMENT
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Nonprofit - Employment Contract, PLC 18-1042311
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy. Previously an all-volunteer organization, client has expanded operations and is now seeking to hire a part-time executive director. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting an employment contract for this position.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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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*
U-Visa, PLC 17-1038092
Client survived a shooting and attempted murder in his workplace. He cooperated with law enforcement by providing information and testifying in court during the prosecution of the case by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Client is seeking assistance filing a U-Visa Petition which will include his wife, daughter, and son as derivative applicants. Client is a hard working head of household who dreams of supporting his children in pursuing higher education in the United States. Client has previously obtained a U-Visa Certification, but it has expired and client will be seeking a new certification.
*Client and his two children are bilingual English/Spanish speakers.*
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*
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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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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Nonprofit (Environmental Protection) - Trademark, PLC 18-1042516
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore local marine life. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing its service mark registration.
Nonprofit (Homeless Resource) - Trademark, PLC 18-1042483
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide resources for Orange County residents who are
experiencing homelessness
. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of the organization's name, logo and tag line.
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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-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.
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LITIGATION
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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
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NONPROFIT
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Nonprofit - Employment Contract, PLC 18-1042311
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy. Previously an all-volunteer organization, client has expanded operations and is now seeking to hire a part-time executive director. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting an employment contract for this position.
Nonprofit (Homeless Resource) - Trademark, PLC 18-1042483
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide resources for Orange County residents who are experiencing homelessness. Client seeks legal assistance with obtaining trademark protection of the organization's name, logo and tag line.
Nonprofit - Waivers, PLC 18-1042484
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent and abolish human trafficking. As part of its awareness and fundraising efforts, Client sponsors periodic walk-a-thon event. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing standard electronic waivers for use at these events.
Nonprofit (Environmental Protection) - Trademark, PLC 18-1042516
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore local marine life. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing its service mark registration.
Nonprofit (Economic Development) - Employment, PLC 18-1042539
Client is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate poverty. Client seeks legal advice and counsel with an employee-related matter.
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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 (Catering) - Contract Review, PLC 18-1040634
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is operating a small dessert catering business. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing, and revising as necessary, a standard customer agreement.
Small Business (Food & Drink) - Review of Lease Agreement, PLC 18-1042481
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is operating a local small business. Client seeks legal assistance with reviewing his commercial lease agreement to determine his obligations to pay certain common maintenance operating charges.
Small Business (Family Support) - Website Terms & Conditions, PLC 18-1042482
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a consulting business for resource families. Client has developed a website for her business and seeks legal assistance with preparing website terms and conditions, as well as a privacy policy. Client also seeks legal advice with regard to using a potential business logo.
Small Business (Sporting Goods) - Contracts, PLC 18-1042541
Client is a low-income small business owner. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing standard consulting agreements.
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VETERANS
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Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17E-1038509
Client is a U.S. military veteran in his 20s seeking assistance with a discharge upgrade application. After almost three years of service, Client was separated with a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge for failure to meet weight standards. Prior to separation, a military psychiatrist opined that Client's mental health issues may contribute to weight gain. Client's commanding officer initially recommended separation with an Honorable characterization. However, two months later, a new officer took command and recommended character of discharge the client ultimately received.
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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