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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,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. At PLC, we are providing ten outstanding law students the opportunity to experience public interest law and work with low-income clients. As a reward, we will celebrate July, as National Hot Dog Month
and
National Ice Cream Month, by heading out to a baseball game and having an ice cream social at our office. We have to make sure we mix in a little fun with all of the tough cases!
With the hard work of our law student volunteers, we often have even more cases available for placement during the summer months. However, case placement always decreases in the summer, with kids out of school, planned vacations and apparently, this summer, trials! Please, as you are checking off your to-do list, make sure you add "take on a pro bono matter" or "volunteer at a self-help clinic" and get that taken care of before we get to September. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Sincerely,
Leigh Ferrin
Directing Attorney,
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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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BANKRUPTCY
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 19E-1046688
Client is in her late 50s with approximately $18,000 in unsecured debt. Client was recently sued by one of her creditors and wishes to file for bankruptcy to avoid the stress associated with litigating the case in pro per. Client would like to move on with her life and get a fresh start.
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BENEFITS
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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CONSERVATORSHIP
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Conservatorship, PLC TBD
Client is seeks to obtain a conservatorship over her teenage son, who has autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Child is not currently in Client's custody, and Client seeks assistance so that she can ensure her son receives the proper treatment. Client seeks to dispute an investigative report and communicate with the Public Defender in the pending conservatorship case. Hearings are on calendar, although Client has been able to get continuances.
General Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045617
Client's husband is in his 40s and suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Client is his caregiver, with the help of her father-in-law. Client's husband requires 24-hour care as the disease progresses. Client seeks to obtain a general conservatorship over her husband's person. Client's father-in-law may be a co-conservator.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Email Staff Attorney Petra Moreno
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1046018
The proposed conservatee is a studious 18-year-old woman who enjoys going to school. She was diagnosed with Autism as a child. As an adult, she has difficulty understanding the gravity of making important life decisions on her own behalf. Her mother and older sister seek to be limited co-conservators of her person, mainly to assist her with making decisions regarding her medical care and education.
Clients are a mother and her two adult daughters. They seek to be co-conservators over another daughter/sister who has intellectual disabilities and difficulty with speech. The proposed conservatee is required to see several specialists and takes a variety of prescribed medication. Clients would like to ensure that a limited conservatorship is in place so to not disrupt the proposed conservatee's continual medical care. The family is already familiar with the limited conservatorship process because another one of their relatives has special needs as well.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045693
Clients' 18-year-old son has Autism and developmental delay. Their son's medical providers are requesting that Clients provide proof of authority to make medical decisions on his behalf. Clients are seeking pro bono representation in obtaining a limited conservatorship over their son's person.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19E-1045421
Client's son will turn 18-years-old in November 2019. He has developmental disabilities and requires daily supervision and assistance with completing basic tasks. He is verbal but his speech is limited. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to help obtain a limited conservatorship over his person. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 19-1045786
Client seeks a limited conservatorship over the person of her 18-year-old son who has an intellectual disability. She especially seeks to assist him with making medical decisions and decisions regarding his education. Client's oldest son seeks to be co-conservator as he helps care for his younger brother.
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CUSTODY
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Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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DISABILITY
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Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal, PLC 18E-1044793
Client is 53 years old and filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2010 when he could no longer work as a commercial plumber. He has a history of degenerative disc disease, PTSD, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and impingement of shoulder nerves. Client has also been fighting stage 3 prostate cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Client was denied SSDI in August 2016 after an administrative appeal hearing. Client is being supported by his children, but no longer wants to be a burden on them. Client is seeking to reopen his SSDI case.
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DISSOLUTION
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Dissolution, PLC 19-1046494
Client was served with a dissolution by his ex-partner, but was overwhelmed with the paperwork and did not file a timely response. A default judgment was entered in the case, and custody determinations were made without him having any say in the matter. Client seeks assistance with a Motion to Vacate and Set Aside Judgment, so that he can fully litigate the custody matters.
Dissolution, PLC 19E-1046022
Client is a domestic violence survivor and a single mother of three. Her only income is benefits and food stamps. She is seeking representation at the trial in her dissolution case against her abuser, which is scheduled for December 2019.
Dissolution/Custody, PLC 19E-1046640
Client is in her 30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. She has a hearing for a domestic violence restraining order in July, but is also seeking representation for the underlying dissolution case, including custody and support orders.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Dissolution with Prenuptial Agreement, PLC 19E-1045496
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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GUARDIANSHIP
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No cases at this time.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
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Mobilehome Residency Law Violation, PLC 19-1046444
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed-incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Under residents' rental agreements, the mobilehome park was responsible for certain utility charges. Mobilehome park has began to transfer utility charges to residents, but has not simultaneously reduced residents' rent by the average cost of the utility for the previous year, as required by the Mobilehome Residency Law. Residents would like for the rent to be properly reduced, as required by law, and to be reimbursed for the over-payments made since the transfer of utility charges to the residents.
Mobilehome Ownership, PLC 19-1046020
Client entered into a verbal agreement to purchase a mobilehome with adverse party. Adverse Party and Client have lived together in the mobilehome with their families for several years. Relationships deteriorated and Client was forced to move out. Client would like to bring an action against Adverse Party to receive his share of the value of the mobilehome, in which he has invested a significant amount of his savings and income.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaker*
Email Staff Attorney Richard Walker
Breach of Rental Agreements, PLC 19E-1046609
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Residents received a rent increase they believe to be a violation of their rental agreements and would like to bring an action to enforce their rental agreements and hopefully negotiate a long-term resolution that will provide financial security and peace of mind for the senior residents.
Failure to Maintain Mobilehome Park, PLC 19E-1045424
Clients are seniors who, several years ago, purchased a mobilehome in a senior mobilehome park, where they had hoped to live out their retirement. After purchasing the mobilehome, the Park has had major issues that have caused significant damage to their mobilehome among other costs to the clients and a need to make a claim on their insurance. These issues were not disclosed to Client prior to them purchasing the mobilehome. Clients hired an inspector who concluded that the Park's failure to maintain is the cause of the issues. Clients would like to bring an action against the Park to be compensated and have the issue addressed. There may be other residents interested in joining a lawsuit.
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IMMIGRATION
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Adjustment of Status via "Parole in Place" for Family Member of U.S. Citizen in Military, PLC 19-1046368
Client is a single mother of three in her late 30s. Client is seeking assistance with filing for "Parole in Place" as the parent of a U.S. citizen son who is a current member of the U.S. military. She will also need assistance with Adjustment of Status once her parole in place is granted.
Non-Detained Removal Defense, PLC 19E-1045885
Client fled Mexico with his wife and young daughter after armed men threatened him with harm because he failed to vote for a certain political candidate. The family was paroled into the U.S. in late 2018. Client is seeking assistance with his defensive asylum case and would like to include his wife and daughter in his application. At this time no Master Calendar Hearing has been set.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
Immigration/U-Visa, PLC 18-1045078
Client is a single mother of seven children who has survived physical and emotional domestic violence by her ex-partner. Client reported the abuse and obtained a criminal protective order. Due to her cooperation in the investigation, her ex-partner was convicted of domestic battery. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a U-Visa petition.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 19-1046088
Client was the survivor of severe domestic violence by her ex-partner in 2018. Thanks to client's reporting of the incident, her abusive ex-partner was convicted of felony domestic violence and kidnapping charges. She is a single mother of three who is working hard to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children. She requires assistance with an application for a U-Visa.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
U-Visa, PLC 19E-1046371 & PLC 19-1046393
Clients are a married couple in their 40s and 50s. Their child, who is a U.S. Citizen, was a victim of attempted sexual assault when the child was a minor. Clients have no health issues or disabilities, but do not have much education. Neither client has a criminal record. Clients are seeking assistance filing a U-Visa petition as indirect victims of the crime committed against their child.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*
U-Visa, PLC 19-1045526
Client is a single mother of a U.S. citizen child. She is seeking assistance in filing a U-Visa petition because she was a victim of sexual battery.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish Speaker*
Petition to Remove Conditional Permanent Residence, PLC 19-1045566
Client is in his late 30s early-40s and is currently employed. Client's prior partner filed a family based petition on the client's behalf and he was granted Conditional Permanent Residence for a 2 year period. During their marriage, client suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his husband. He is now seeking assistance in filing a petition to remove the condition based on being "battered or abused" by his partner. Successfully removing this condition will prevent the client from losing his permanent resident status.
*Client primarily speaks Vietnamese*
VAWA, PLC 18-1044413
Client is in her early 30s and is employed. She is a high school graduate. She has four US Citizen children. She is seeking assistance in filing a VAWA petition for herself as a victim of domestic violence by her ex-spouse. She does not have a criminal record.
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LANDLORD / TENANT
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Mobilehome Residency Law Violation, PLC 19-1046444
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed-incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Under residents' rental agreements, the mobilehome park was responsible for certain utility charges. Mobilehome park has began to transfer utility charges to residents, but has not simultaneously reduced residents' rent by the average cost of the utility for the previous year, as required by the Mobilehome Residency Law. Residents would like for the rent to be properly reduced, as required by law, and to be reimbursed for the over-payments made since the transfer of utility charges to the residents.
Breach of Rental Agreements, PLC 19E-1046609
Client is a group of senior residents, most on fixed incomes, living in a senior mobilehome park. Residents received a rent increase they believe to be a violation of their rental agreements and would like to bring an action to enforce their rental agreements and hopefully negotiate a long-term resolution that will provide financial security and peace of mind for the senior residents.
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LITIGATION
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Spousal Support, PLC 19-1046495
Client is in her 80s and has a disability. She is a domestic violence survivor and seeks assistance with discovery prior to filing a post-judgment modification of spousal support.
Dissolution with Prenuptial Agreement, PLC 19E-1045496
Client is a 40 year-old survivor of domestic violence. Client is in the process of petitioning for her divorce in pro per. Client will need assistance with discovery: the parties signed a prenuptial agreement, but the
opposing party will not provide her with a copy. Client will potentially need assistance with either
enforcing or contesting it, depending on its terms. Client speaks English and is very responsive.
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NON-PROFIT
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Non-Profit (Family Support) - Start-Up, PLC 19-1046932
Client is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to support non-custodial parents to build relationships with their children. Client seeks legal assistance forming a California Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
Non-Profit (Personal Safety) - Employment Policies, PLC 19-1046931
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people through self-defense training. Client seeks legal guidance with recovering equipment owned by the organization that had been issued to employees.
Non-Profit/Intellectual Property (Veterans) - Trademark, PLC 19-1046934
Client is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to help improve the lives of veterans through deep sea fishing. Client seeks legal assistance registering a trademark for the nonprofit name and logo.
Nonprofit (Environment) - Contracts/Waivers, PLC 19-1046502
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep pollution from flowing into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Client is developing a program to coordinate group street clean-ups via its website. Client seeks legal assistance with developing a standard agreement and waiver for groups using the site.
Non-Profit (Education) - Start-Up, PLC 19-1046284
Client is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide services to children in the area of arts education. Client seeks legal assistance with forming a California Public Benefit Corporation and obtaining federal and state tax exempt status.
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RESTRAINING ORDER
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Domestic Violence Restraining Order/Custody, PLC 19E-1046640
Client is in her 30s and is a survivor of domestic violence. She is seeking representation for a hearing in late July in which the court will decide her request for a restraining order as well as make a determination regarding custody and visitation of the three children.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
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SMALL BUSINESS
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Small Business (Education) - Incorporation, PLC 19-1046929
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a business providing online language and culture courses. Client seeks legal guidance with choosing the appropriate business entity and filing the necessary business formation documents.
Small Business - Commercial Lease, PLC 19-1046775
Client is a low-income owner of a dry-cleaning business. Client seeks legal assistance reviewing his commercial lease to fully understand his rights as a commercial tenant.
*Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker*
Small Business/Intellectual Property - Trademark, PLC 19-1046816
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a business selling low-cost medical clothing. Client seeks legal assistance registering a trademark for the business name and logo.
Small Business - Contract, PLC 19-1046822
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is launching a fashion business. Client seeks legal assistance drafting a nondisclosure agreement to be used with potential clothing manufacturers.
Small Business - Contract, PLC 19-1046824
Client is a low-income owner of a business offering photo and video services to small businesses throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Client seeks assistance drafting a standard client contract.
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SUPPORT
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Dissolution/Custody/Support, PLC 19-1046173
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is currently unemployed and receiving government benefits. She has two children under the age of two. She seeks assistance with her divorce, including a request for an interstate move-away, child support, and spousal support. Preliminary disclosures have not yet been exchanged.
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WILLS & ESTATES
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Special Needs Trust, PLC 19E-1046325
Client is in his late 50s and suffers from multiple physical ailments. He receives SSI and Medi-cal (as well as Social Security and Medicare). Having Medi-Cal is very important to Client, as he must undergo several medical procedures in the near future. Client may soon receive an inheritance from one of his parents who recently passed away. This inheritance will result in termination of Client's Medi-Cal. He seeks assistance with creating a first party Special Needs Trust as soon as possible. Client has a trusted relative in mind who can serve as trustee.
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Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010
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