September 18, 2019
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Greetings,

We are reaching that time of year when the months fly by and before you know it, we have reached December and are gearing up for the holidays and the new year. It's an exciting and fun time, usually filled with family, friends, and social events. It's also the time of year when organizations all over the country send out their requests for end-of-year donations (including PLC!).

As you are figuring out your end of year donation plans, please also consider making a donation of your time by taking on a pro bono case. We have some clients who have been waiting quite some time for assistance, and who would end this year on a high note if their cases were picked up by volunteers.

We have a human trafficking survivor who has mustered the courage to assert claims against her trafficker. We have a survivor of domestic violence who is seeking assistance with a divorce from her abuser, including custody of her minor children and support. We have a client in her 80s who we believe was a victim of elder financial abuse. And so many more! Please take a look, particularly at our litigation cases, and reach out to us to pick up a case.




Sincerely, 


Leigh Ferrin
Directing Attorney, 
Pro Bono Programs





 

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 

Please contact
Leigh Ferrin with any questions.
 
ADOPTIONS

Step-Parent Adoption, PLC 19-1048004
Monolingual Spanish speaker seeks to adopt spouse's two minor children, who have different biological  fathers. The biological fathers have been absent and out of contact for over five years and have not paid  child support during that time. The biological fathers are believed to no longer be present in the United  States.
APPEALS
 
Appeal of Limited Civil Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19-1047133
Client is in his 40s and cares for both of his elderly, ailing parents. A judgment was recently entered against Client after a trial. Client believes the trial court erred and has filed a Notice of Appeal and the designation of the record. Client seeks representation for the remainder of the appeal, including preparation of briefs and oral argument. 
BANKRUPTCY

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, PLC 17-1038420
Client is in her early-30s with approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. Client is a monolingual Spanish  speaker. She and her family experienced several financial hardships over the last few years, but she has  stabilized her family's income. Client seeks assistance filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy so that she can  continue rebuilding her life and get a fresh start.
Email Directing Attorney Elizabeth Gonzalez
BENEFITS

Social Security Disability Administrative Hearing, PLC 19-1047131
Client is a Spanish-speaking male in his 50s. The District Court reversed and remanded the Social Security Administration's denial of Client's social security disability application. The Social Security Administration recently informed Client he would be receiving a notice of a hearing before a new Administrative Law Judge shortly. Client is seeking representation for the administrative hearing.

Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.

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.
CONSERVATORSHIP

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.
CONSUMER 

Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1045659
Client is a Spanish-speaking female in her 40s. Client recently discovered a default judgment was entered in against her several years ago. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper, and there appear to be additional procedural deficiencies with the case. Client seeks assistance setting aside the default judgment because she disputes the debt and believes procedural deficiencies provide a basis to dismiss the case.

Motion to Vacate Default Judgment (Debt Collection Defense), PLC 19E-1047000
Client is a single mother in her 50s. She recently received notice of a wage garnishment for a case she did not realize had been filed against her. Client's claim of exemption was partially granted. Client cannot afford any money being garnished from her wages and disputes the validity of the debt that formed the basis of the default judgment against her. Client believes service of the summons and complaint were not proper. Client seeks assistance vacating the default judgment so that she can end the wage garnishment and defend herself on the merits.
CONTRACTS 

No cases at this time.
CUSTODY

Custody, PLC 19-1047114
Client is a survivor of domestic violence who is receiving government benefits and seeks representation at her custody hearing in September. There is a concurrent criminal domestic violence case and a Criminal Protective Order ("CPO") protecting the minor child, but the Adverse Party seeks to have charges dropped and the CPO terminated prior to the September custody hearing. The court ordered a Child Custody Investigation ("CCI"), and the September hearing will be the return on the CCI.

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.
DISABILITY

Social Security Disability Administrative Hearing, PLC 19-1047131
Client is a Spanish-speaking male in his 50s. The District Court reversed and remanded the Social Security Administration's denial of Client's social security disability application. The Social Security Administration recently informed Client he would be receiving a notice of a hearing before a new Administrative Law Judge shortly. Client is seeking representation for the administrative hearing.

Social Security Disability Insurance Appeal Hearing, PLC 19E-1047063
Client suffers from a number of disabilities including asthma, bipolar disorder, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Client was also recently diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, which has returned for the fourth time, and Client will need to begin undergoing treatment soon. Social Security Administration wants to terminate Client's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), claiming her disability is not severe enough to prevent her from working. Client depends on SSDI for income and to qualify for Medicare coverage. Client has requested an Administrative Law Judge hearing to appeal the termination of SSDI and needs representation.

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.
DISSOLUTION 

Divorce with Postnuptial Agreement, PLC
Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency. She is seeking legal assistance for her  dissolution action, particularly with voiding a postnuptial agreement. The agreement was signed on the  same day it was presented to her at the drafting lawyer's office, without the assistance of independent  counsel, over a decade ago at a time when her English proficiency was even more limited than it is at  present. The client has a copy of the agreement for review.

Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial.

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 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.
EMPLOYMENT
 
No cases at this time.
GUARDIANSHIP

No cases at this time.
HOMEOWNERSHIP

Elder Financial Abuse/Contractor Dispute, PLC 19-104TBD
Client is in her 80s and owns her home. Client was convinced to undertake a number of home  improvements with a local contractor. The contractor arranged for Client to obtain financing, but none  was approved. After the contractor claimed the work was completed, he sued Client for hundreds of  thousands of dollars. Client does not believe she owes the amount that is claimed in the complaint and  believes that the actions of the contractor constitute elder financial abuse. Client needs assistance  defending the lawsuit and filing a cross-complaint alleging all relevant claims.
Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) - Preserving Homeownership for Seniors
PLC has been working with homeowners, all of whom are over the age of 60, who have been scammed by contractors and financing companies. Door-to-door salespeople came to our clients' doors, offering them a "free government program" to improve the energy efficiency of the home. However, either the work was not completed, and/or the work that was done was done poorly. Additionally, the homeowners were overcharged for the work, based on the amount of financing the homeowner was eligible for, not the actual cost of the work. PLC is seeking representation for a number of homeowners who are currently at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure. 

Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.

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.
IMMIGRATION 

Non-Detained Removal Defense, PLC 19E-1045885/19-1045895
Clients are a couple that fled Mexico with their young daughter after armed men threatened them with harm because they failed to vote for a certain political candidate. The family was paroled into the U.S. in late 2018. Clients are seeking assistance with their defensive asylum case, and each would like to include their daughter on their asylum applications. Clients have their first Master Calendar Hearing scheduled in August.
*Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers*

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*
Email Staff Attorney Diana Spix

VAWA, PLC 19-1046677
Client is in her early 50's. She is the victim of verbal and mental abuse by her US Citizen Spouse, who often calls her names and uses her immigration status as a threat. Her previous application for adjustment was denied because he would not go to the interview. Client has not reported him to the police in fear of her immigration status and is in the process of seperating. Client would like assistance in preparing and filing a VAWA self-petition and Adjustment of Status.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY   

Non-Profit (Employment) - Website Privacy Policy, PLC 19-104
Client is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth and young adults of Orange County the skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Client seeks legal assistance with developing website privacy policies.
LANDLORD / TENANT

Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.

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.

Landlord-Tenant Discrimination, PLC 19E-1046925
Client is a woman with long-term illness who receives Section 8 housing. Her landlord is seeking to evict her, stating that the client is "diseased" and "dirty." The landlord has also disclosed the client's illness to the other roommates, attempted to lock her out of the property, and is currently preventing her from using amenities. Client would like to file an affirmative discrimination case which will likely include related causes of action. She may also need representation with defending an eviction case in the near future.

Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.  
LITIGATION litigation

Elder Financial Abuse/Contractor Dispute, PLC 19-104TBD
Client is in her 80s and owns her home. Client was convinced to undertake a number of home  improvements with a local contractor. The contractor arranged for Client to obtain financing, but none  was approved. After the contractor claimed the work was completed, he sued Client for hundreds of  thousands of dollars. Client does not believe she owes the amount that is claimed in the complaint and  believes that the actions of the contractor constitute elder financial abuse. Client needs assistance  defending the lawsuit and filing a cross-complaint alleging all relevant claims.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) - Preserving Homeownership for Seniors
PLC has been working with homeowners, all of whom are over the age of 60, who have been scammed by contractors and financing companies. Door-to-door salespeople came to our clients' doors, offering them a "free government program" to improve the energy efficiency of the home. However, either the work was not completed, and/or the work that was done was done poorly. Additionally, the homeowners were overcharged for the work, based on the amount of financing the homeowner was eligible for, not the actual cost of the work. PLC is seeking representation for a number of homeowners who are currently at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure. 

Dissolution - with Children, PLC 18-1042491
Client is a survivor of domestic violence. After 8 years of marriage, Client filed for divorce from her abuser to protect herself and her three minor children. The parties have minimum assets and debts. The paperwork has already been filed, after pro per assistance from PLC. Client is seeking representation for the Trial Setting Conference, the Mandatory Settlement Conference and the Trial. No dates have been set.

Mobilehome Landlord-Tenant Dispute - Interference with Sale, PLC 19E-1047356
Client owns her mobilehome in a local mobilehome park. She decided to sell her mobilehome and informed the park that she was listing the mobilehome. Client was served with a 60-day notice to vacate. After the notification, the park provided a list of repairs that must be done to the mobilehome prior to any sale, including some items that are not allowed under the Mobilehome Residency Law. Additionally, the park has rejected buyers who otherwise should be eligible to purchase a mobilehome. Client seeks representation in an affirmative suit against the park for interference with sale, among other claims, as well as possible defense of an unlawful detainer.

Civil Suit for Claims Arising out of Human Trafficking
Client is a survivor of human trafficking and would like to pursue her traffickers for various civil claims that are available to her. Client was kept as a domestic worker and was required to work more than the allowed hours per day ,was not paid minimum wage or overtime, was not permitted to take breaks and was not paid backpay owed to her after she was able to escape the situation. The statute of limitations on these claims could potentially run in the near future, so PLC is seeking counsel who may be able to file an affirmative case rather quickly.

Dispute with Subsidized Housing Provider, PLC 19-10462625
Client is a homeless individual who is a survivor of domestic violence. She received Section 8 assistance, and was terminated from the program after she removed her abusive husband from the household, because they incorrectly determined that the client and her child were "overhoused." As a result, she is now homeless. The subsidized housing provider violated numerous federal regulations, fair housing laws related to sex based discrimination, and the Violence Against Women Act. Client would like to file a federal discrimination suit and writ against the subsidized housing provider to have them re-house her, change their policies, and to obtain damages.  

Probate Litigation, PLC 19E-1046296 
Client is an elderly, disabled woman who is involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She successfully removed the former administrator of the estate for not acting in the best interest of the estate or the beneficiary. She now seeks assistance with an action to surcharge the former administrator for breach of fiduciary duty, and assistance with being appointed as the new administrator of the estate.

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.
NAME CHANGE

No cases at this time.
NON-PROFIT

Non-Profit (Environment) - Contracts, PLC 19-1047781
Client is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase access to renewable energy throughout Orange County, especially in underserved communities. Client seeks legal assistance with drafting a standard referral contract.

Non-Profit (Education) - Corporate Restructuring, PLC 19-1047796
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce development services and programs to assist workers displaced by automation. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on how best to structure the entity and work with partners to leverage funding opportunities.

Non-Profit (Employment) - Website Privacy Policy, PLC 19-104
Client is a new non-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth and young adults of Orange County the skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Client seeks legal assistance with developing website privacy policies.
RESTRAINING ORDER
 
No cases at this time.
SMALL BUSINESS 

Small Business (Education) - Contract, PLC 19-1047321
Client is a low-income entrepreneur starting a business teaching computer literacy, with a focus on the Hispanic community. Client seeks legal assistance drafting a contract for their customers. 
SPECIAL EDUCATION
  
No cases at this time.
SUPPORT
  
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.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
 
No cases at this time.
VETERANS

No cases at this time.
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WILLS & ESTATES 

Probate Litigation, PLC 19E-1046296 
Client is an elderly, disabled woman who is involved in a dispute over her father's estate, which consists primarily of the family home. She successfully removed the former administrator of the estate for not acting in the best interest of the estate or the beneficiary. She now seeks assistance with an action to surcharge the former administrator for breach of fiduciary duty, and assistance with being appointed as the new administrator of the estate.

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