Greetings,
As many of you know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This October, the awareness campaign will look a little different, with the hashtag #listeningfromhome because there aren’t the same protections out there for survivors – teachers, case workers, friends, family members may not see survivors in person right now and may not see the signs of abuse. Check in on your neighbors, friends, family members. It makes a difference.
Besides the assistance PLC provides to obtain domestic violence restraining orders, PLC also assists survivors with a variety of other needs, including immigration, consumer debt, and housing. During the pandemic, more than ever, survivors are in need of safe, affordable housing.
PLC has seen an increase in requests for assistance with housing-related issues, whether it’s a predatory home loan, a habitability issue with an apartment, or an unlawful harassment case. Keeping people housed is of utmost importance. Please consider taking on a housing case and doing what you can to ensure families are able to stay healthy.
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Federal District Court Litigation - Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051272
Client is an English speaker in his 30s appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. Client is unable to work and needs to depend on these benefits to survive. Client is in the process of filing his complaint pro se, but Client is seeking representation in this matter in order to give him the best chance of obtaining a reversal of the ALJ's decision.
Federal Court Litigation - Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051915
Client is an English speaker in his 50s and is appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. He has already filed his complaint and is seeking assistance with briefing. Client is unable to work and hopes representation in this matter will enable him to obtain the benefits he needs to survive.
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Federal Court Litigation - Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051915
Client is an English speaker in his 50s and is appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. He has already filed his complaint and is seeking assistance with briefing. Client is unable to work and hopes representation in this matter will enable him to obtain the benefits he needs to survive.
Furthering Fair Housing Laws, PLC 20E-1049214
Client is a person with mental health disabilities. She would like to sue a housing provider for violating federal and state fair housing laws in the renting process. Client receives a federal subsidy to rent in the private market. Although client is now stably housed, the housing provider that refused to rent to her caused her mental anguish that exacerbated her mental health condition and resulted in her hospitalization. Client seeks to file suit against the housing provider to ensure compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS |
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.
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Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children.
*Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency*
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Immigration/U-Visa, PLC18-1044873
Client is a victim of rape and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner and she reported the incident to the police. She seeks assistance with applying for a U-Visa as a victim of rape and domestic violence. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant. Client is a monolingual Spanish Speaker.
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FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION |
Bankruptcy, PLC 20-1050673
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her late 50s with approximately $20,000 in unsecured debt. Client hopes that filing for bankruptcy will give her the opportunity to move on with her life and get a fresh start.
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1049286
Client is an English speaker in her early 30s. Client was sued for an alleged credit card debt, and she disputes the amount of the debt. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for January 2021*
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1051373
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 60s. Client was sued for an alleged car loan debt, which she incurred while she was battling untreated mental health issues. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for October 2020*
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late April 2021*
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Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Convictions, PLC 20E-1051937
Client is a victim of sex trafficking in Orange , Riverside and Los Angeles Counties. Client was forced to prostitute for 2 traffickers and she ended up with criminal charges directly related to her trafficking. Client was eventually able to escape and is working as an advocate for people who have experienced the same trauma she did. Client would like to seek vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties.
Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Conviction, PLC 20E-1051470
Client was trafficked into sex work in Orange County when she was a teenager. More than ten years ago, during the course of her trafficking, she was convicted of prostitution and keeping a house of ill-fame. After over a decade in an abusive relationship with her trafficker, she was finally able to escape. Since then, she has focused on building a new life and being a devoted mother to her five American-born children. Client would like assistance with seeking a vacatur of her 2005 convictions.
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Immigration/T-Visa, PLC-20E-1050698
Client is a victim of human trafficking. Client was forced to cook, clean and work for her father as a minor, without pay. She seeks assistance with applying for a T-Visa as a victim of human trafficking. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant in the case. Client is an English Speaker.
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Federal District Court Litigation – Mandamus, PLC 20E-1051739
Clients are a father and son who are applying for asylum. Clients believe they are improperly being denied their employment authorization. Clients would like assistance filing a mandamus action in District Court to force the federal agency to take appropriate action.
Immigration/U-Visa, PLC18-1044873
Client is a victim of rape and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-partner and she reported the incident to the police. She seeks assistance with applying for a U-Visa as a victim of rape and domestic violence. She has no criminal record and is the sole applicant. 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 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*
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Small Business (Online) – Trademark, PLC 20-1051509
Client is a low-income entrepreneur with a monthly subscription business. Client seeks legal guidance with obtaining protection over the business name, logo and tagline.
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Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1045127
Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking widow in her 70s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) financing through a door-to-door salesperson to make improvements to her home, some of which she does not believe were energy efficient or were done poorly. All discussions were in Spanish, and all documents she signed were in English. As a result of the work, Client's property taxes have increased by over $10,000 a year. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.
Social Security Overpayment, PLC 20E-1050964
Client is in his 70s and is seeking assistance understanding and disputing an alleged overpayment of social security benefits. Social Security benefits currently make up Client's only income and they have been drastically reduced as a result of the alleged overpayment. Client is under tremendous stress and hopes resolution of the issue will give him peace of mind and enable him to pay for his necessary needs.
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Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1051373
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 60s. Client was sued for an alleged car loan debt, which she incurred while she was battling untreated mental health issues. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for October 2020*
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1051819
Client is an English speaker in her late 50s and is disabled. Client was sued for an alleged credit card debt and has had difficulty defending the lawsuit. She seeks assistance defending the lawsuit including filing a motion for relief from requests for admissions that were deemed admitted so she can move on with her life.
*Trial is scheduled for June 2021*
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20E-1049286
Client is an English speaker in her early 30s. Client was sued for an alleged credit card debt, and she disputes the amount of the debt. Client seeks assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family and move on with her life.
*Trial scheduled for January 2021*
Debt Collection Defense, PLC 20-1049261
Client is in her 30s and is raising her three small children alone. She was recently able to set aside a default judgment that had been entered against her. Client disputes the debt, and is now seeking assistance defending the lawsuit so that she can focus on caring for her family.
*Trial is set for late April 2021*
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Dissolution, PLC 19E-1048860
Client is a survivor of domestic violence perpetrated by her spouse in a marriage of over 35 years. PLC assisted her with her divorce petition, but she seeks additional assistance with respect to discovery and allocation of assets/debts acquired during the marriage. There are no minor children.
*Client is a Spanish speaker with moderate English proficiency*
Dissolution, PLC 19-1047091
Client is a single parent of special needs child who seeks representation in divorce proceeding including issues regarding breach of fiduciary duty, violation of ATRO's, and adverse party's multiple retirement accounts. At Issue Memorandum will be filed but trial has not yet been set.
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LITIGATION — FEDERAL COURT |
Federal Court Litigation - District Court Litigation Against Federal Agency, PLC 20-1052293
Client is an English speaker in his 50s who was informed by a federal agency that he needed a court order to resolve a matter. The deadline given by the agency is in the middle of November. Given the timing, Client is seeking assistance with filing a complaint to obtain the court order, and possibly seeking an injunction to stop the agency from making a decision on the matter before Client is able to obtain the requested court order.
*Deadline is currently mid-November*
Federal Court Litigation – Mandamus, PLC 20E-1051739
Clients are a father and son who are applying for asylum. Clients believe they are improperly being denied their employment authorization. Clients would like assistance filing a mandamus action in District Court to force the federal agency to take appropriate action.
Federal Court Litigation - Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051915
Client is an English speaker in his 50s and is appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. He has already filed his complaint and is seeking assistance with briefing. Client is unable to work and hopes representation in this matter will enable him to obtain the benefits he needs to survive.
Federal Court Litigation - Social Security Disability Appeal, PLC 20-1051272
Client is an English speaker in his 30s appealing his denial of social security disability benefits. Client is unable to work and needs to depend on these benefits to survive. Client is in the process of filing his complaint pro se, but Client is seeking representation in this matter in order to give him the best chance of obtaining a reversal of the ALJ's decision.
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LITIGATION — PRESERVATION OF HOUSING |
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.
Furthering Fair Housing Laws, PLC 20E-1049214
Client is a person with mental health disabilities. Client receives a federal subsidy to rent in the private market. Although client is now stably housed, the housing provider that refused to rent to her caused her mental anguish that exacerbated her mental health condition and resulted in her hospitalization. Client seeks to file suit against the housing provider to ensure compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
Landlord/Tenant – Habitability, PLC 20E-1052228, 20E-1052238, 20E-1052237, & 20E-1052236
Clients are seeking help filing an affirmative lawsuit against their landlord for severe breaches of the implied warranty of habitability that involve, but are not limited to, a rat infestation from which they have suffered personal injury. Clients have complained to their landlord for repairs since May 2020, but to date, the landlord has ignored the requests for repairs. Because of the uninhabitable conditions, clients withheld rent and are now facing a threat of eviction.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute – Discrimination, PLC 20E-1051936, 20E-1052043 & 20E-1052045
Clients are three roommates, all older adults, who seek to rescind their contracts/leases for the mobilehome that they rent. The clients entered into a predatory agreement and are being harassed. The landlord has failed to take any action to stop the harassment. Possibly in retaliation, the landlord has alleged a breach of the contract, which would result in the client being forced to leave the premises. Clients would like assistance resolving the dispute with their landlord, recovering any money paid and ensuring they are able to remain housed.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Discrimination, PLC 20E-1051216
Client is a single-mother of two minor children. She seeks to sue her landlord for unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of race, and other civil claims related to breach of contract, including breach of the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. Client's landlord used racial slurs against her and her children, resulting in a constructive eviction. Client seeks assistance with filing a complaint with the State Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and if necessary, in civil court.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute – Health and Safety, PLC 20E-105
Client is a pregnant woman who is living in an apartment with two roommates. Over the past couple of months, Client and her roommates have been living with mold in their apartment due to a water leak and a cockroach infestation. Client’s doctor has suggested she move immediately for her health. Client would like assistance navigating the situation with the landlord, as she believes she is at risk of eviction because of her complaints.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute - Health and Safety, PLC 20E-1051370
Client has a disability and has been adversely affected by smoke from her neighbor's apartments for multiple years now. The property management company is on notice, but rather than address the issues, the company has dismissed her concerns and even retaliated against her. Client's apartment was recently tested and high rates of illegal drugs were present in her home were found. Client would like to assert her rights against the property management company for the damage to her property and her physical health.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute – Habitability, PLC 20E-1052070
Client is a single mother who rents an apartment in a 40-unit complex. There are significant habitability defects, including rats and roaches. As a result of the infestation, Client had to seek medical attention. The apartment management has refused to fully compensate client and has refused to take any steps to ensure the apartment is habitable. Client would like her apartment repaired and to be compensated for the medical bills and missed work as a result of the injuries.
Litigation – Contractor Bond Interpleader, PLC 20E-1051259
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her 60s who is currently in a dispute with a contractor. The contractor’s bond issuer brought an interpleader action in which Client is a defendant-in-interpleader. Client has filed an answer in pro per and seeks representation for the remainder of the case.
Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 20-1051904
Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker in her early 50s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for work that was never completed on her home. All discussions related to the home "improvements" were in Spanish, and all documents related to the home "improvements" she signed were in English. As a result of the PACE assessment, Client's property taxes have increased by over $4,000 a year, an amount she is unable to pay. Client fears losing her home. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.
Predatory Lending/PACE Home Improvements, PLC 19E-1045127
Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaking widow in her 70s. Client obtained Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) financing through a door-to-door salesperson to make improvements to her home, some of which she does not believe were energy efficient or were done poorly. All discussions were in Spanish, and all documents she signed were in English. As a result of the work, Client's property taxes have increased by over $10,000 a year. Client would like assistance rescinding the contract and removing the tax assessment from her property.
Property Damage to Mobilehome, PLC 20E-1052263
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 claims 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. The issues are now affecting the Clients’ health and they are unable to sell their mobilehome and relocate because of the concerns. Clients would like to bring an action against the Park to be compensated so that they can relocate to protect their health.
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Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20-1051032
Clients are seeking to establish a limited conservatorship over their soon-to-be adult son who has epilespy. Due to his medical condition, he requires constant supervision and assistance with completing most activities of daily living. Clients want their adult-daughter to serve as their co-conservator. All second degree relatives are known and located. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
Limited Conservatorship, PLC 20-1051711
Clients seek to establish a limited conservatorship over their daughter, who is turning 18 in a few months. Clients' daughter's diagnosis is intellectual retardation and has the mental capacity of a 4-year-old child. Clients are monolingual Spanish speakers.
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Discrimination Based on Race, PLC 20E-1051117
Client is an African American male. He was using public transit earlier this year when he was harassed and assaulted by a white couple. Client would like assistance shepherding his administrative complaints through the process and exploring the possibility of litigation.
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REENTRY/CONVICTION RELIEF |
Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Convictions, PLC 20E-1051937
Client is a victim of sex trafficking in Orange , Riverside and Los Angeles Counties. Client was forced to prostitute for 2 traffickers and she ended up with criminal charges directly related to her trafficking. Client was eventually able to escape and is working as an advocate for people who have experienced the same trauma she did. Client would like to seek vacatur of the criminal charges against her. The petition will need to be filed in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties.
Human Trafficking/Vacatur of Criminal Conviction, PLC 20E-1051470
Client was trafficked into sex work in Orange County when she was a teenager. More than ten years ago, during the course of her trafficking, she was convicted of prostitution and keeping a house of ill-fame. After over a decade in an abusive relationship with her trafficker, she was finally able to escape. Since then, she has focused on building a new life and being a devoted mother to her five American-born children. Client would like assistance with seeking a vacatur of her 2005 convictions.
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Nonprofit (Community Support) - Real Estate, PLC 20-1051514
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide pathways to self-sufficiency for the local community. Client currently runs its programs on property that is leased from a government entity. Client seeks legal counsel to understand the implied limitations on its programs as a result of this public-private partnership.
Non-Profit (Veterans Support) - Contracts, PLC 20-1050367
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide veterans with re-entry support. Client seeks legal assistance with preparing a collaboration agreement with another nonprofit organization.
Nonprofit (Youth Education) - Commercial Lease, PLC 20-1052265
Client is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage children with STEM education programs. Client was informed by the business park association where it has recently relocated that it cannot engage in educational programs at its site. Client seeks legal assistance with negotiating a variance to the CR&Rs.
Small Business – Entity Formation, PLC 20-1052241
Client is a low-income entrepreneur whose long-term goal is to start their own architecture firm. Currently, client is taking drafting and designing jobs while they complete their education. Client seeks legal advice and counsel on entity formation.
Small Business – Entity Formation, PLC 20-1052209
Client is a low-income entrepreneur who is starting a construction company. Client seeks legal assistance with forming the business entity. Client also seeks legal advice concerning an unrelated LLC that was allowed to lapse years ago.
Small Business (Online) – Trademark, PLC 20-1051509
Client is a low-income entrepreneur with a monthly subscription business. Client seeks legal guidance with obtaining protection over the business name, logo and tagline.
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Discharge Upgrade, PLC 17E-1038521
Client is a Marine Corps veteran in his 50s. He is seeking assistance upgrading his General under Honorable Conditions discharge to an Honorable discharge. The client believes he was separated unfairly and was given false information about the consequences of a General discharge. He seeks a discharge upgrade to obtain VA benefits and for his own peace of mind about the character of his service.
Discharge Upgrade, PLC
Client is a decorated combat veteran who served in the United States Army from 2008-2011. He was discharged with a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of service for misconduct. Client has impeccable post-service conduct. His strong interest in pursing a discharge upgrade is so that he can re-enlist in the military and serve his country during these trying times. Client would like to be upgraded to Honorable and change his re-enlistment code.
Dismissal/Expungment, PLC 20E-1049409
Client is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was recently discharged with an honorable discharge. Client has one criminal conviction on her record which is preventing her from obtaining employment after her discharge. Client would like assistance with terminating her probation early and submitting a request for dismissal of the misdemeanor.
*Venue is San Diego Superior Court, but Client lives in Orange County*
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