|
In case you missed it, tickets are now on sale for our Volunteers For Justice Event! Hosted on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5:30-8:30PM at The Promenade and Gardens by Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa, VFJ is Public Law Center’s annual fundraiser and friend-raiser in support of access to justice. Join Orange County’s legal aid community to celebrate our year of achievements and recognize our volunteers and community partners. Get your VFJ tickets here.
We are also still looking for event sponsors and silent auction items!
VFJ Sponsors are crucial partners for PLC to help raise awareness of the VFJ Event and contribute invaluable support for the Justice For All fund. If you think your firm might be interested in becoming a VFJ Sponsor, you can learn more here.
The VFJ Silent Auction helps raise critical funds to provide free legal services to low-income community members. You can donate items to VFJ here, and you can purchase items to be auctioned off here.
Another important component of VFJ is recruiting new volunteers for our organization! We encourage you to share the below PLC pro bono opportunities with your colleagues, and if you are able to take on a new case, please see below for cases available this month.
| |
|
Sincerely,
Angela Mestre
Pro Bono Coordinator
| |
|
Appeal, PLC 23-0080285
Client had a default judgment entered against him due to not being served by his landlord. PLC timely filed a motion to set aside default and vacate judgment under California Code of Civil Procedure section 473(b) and (d). Under the case law, this statute is “highly favored and should be liberally construed to carry out the policy of permitting trial on the merits.” Another case held that “very slight evidence will be required to justify a court in setting aside a default.” At Client’s hearing, when presented with the applicable standard through numerous cases, the assigned judge stated she did not think that was the standard and denied the motion. Client is seeking assistance with his appeal. This case offers the opportunity to correct Orange County judges’ perceptions regarding an important statute that grants tenants relief from default judgments, as well as establish more positive case law to assist tenants across the state for years to come.
Email Staff Attorney Adam Morton
| |
|
Limited Conservatorship Trial, PLC 23-0079652
Client is the father of an adult son who has a developmental delay, and the adverse party is the son's mother. Client wishes to be named the joint conservator along with the mother, but the mother is resisting for reasons that are unclear at this time. The matter is set to go to trial on 7/19/24, with a mandatory settlement conference scheduled for 5/31/24. Any interested attorney(s) can take the matter themselves or choose to co-counsel with one of our Family Law staff attorneys.
Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran
| |
|
Enforcement of Judgment and Collections, PLC 24-0083316
Client is seeking assistance to enforce a judgment. Judgment was entered on 6/26/2023 for $80,000. The judge ordered Adverse Party (AP) to make a payment of $20,000 on 08/26/26 and monthly consecutive payments of $10,000 until February 2024. AP stopped making payments as of October 2023 and has only paid $40,000, half of the Judgment. According to Client, AP is money laundering and is under Investigation by the FCC. Client has three children with AP all over 18 years old. Date of Marriage: 05/1997. Date of Separation: 09/2010.
Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran
Restraining Order against Stalker-Sibling, PLC 24-0083913
Client, a person with a disability, is being stalked and cyberstalked by her sibling, who has also stolen Client’s disability checks. Client is seeking a restraining order against her sibling and can provide evidence obtained by a private investigator, who can testify on her behalf.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Joanna Wong
| |
FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION | |
|
Recoup of Money for Repairs in Rented Property, PLC 23-0082655
Client, 65 years old, is a survivor of domestic violence. She is currently undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. Client’s only source of income is from social security retirement. Client has rented a single-family house for the last 22 years and lives in the unit by herself with her emotional support dog. For several years, Client faced substantial habitability issues including mold, leaking walls, and rotting carpet. Client made several requests to Landlord to repair those issues, however Landlord never completed any of the requested repairs. Client took out a loan for $15,000 to make those needed repairs and is now seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with recouping the $15,000 she invested in the property.
Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker
Trust Contest, PLC 23-0076001
Client’s mother passed on Oct. 11, 2023. Siblings sent a copy of mother’s trust to Client, a beneficiary of her mother’s trust. However, Client claims the trust she received is fake/invalid and there was another trust in place prior to this one. Client wishes to contest the trust distributions. In addition, Client does not believe her mother had sufficient capacity to sign this later trust and may ask to contest the trust as well. Client is aware of the 120-day deadline to contest and looking for immediate assistance. Client would like (1) to remove the trustee and the successor trustees, (2) for someone to review the trust and let her know whether her sister can sell their mother’s home, and (3) to understand what her distributions are under the trust. We have asked for a copy of the trust but have not yet received it.
Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett
| |
|
U-Visa, PLC 22-0067283
Client is a 55-year-old woman who qualifies for a U-Visa based on repeated instances of domestic violence by her now-deceased husband, which caused injuries to Client. Client obtained a restraining order against her husband and reported him to the police on numerous occasions. Client is a monolingual Spanish-speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
U-Visa, PLC 21-006066
Client was the victim of domestic violence by her ex-partner, who assaulted her after trespassing onto Client’s property. Client had experienced severe domestic violence from her ex-partner over the course of more than ten years, beginning around 2009-10. In 2020, after Client was assaulted by her ex-partner at her house, Client reported the assault to police and received an Emergency Protective Order (EPO). Client would like assistance in applying for a U-Visa. The client is a monolingual Spanish-speaker, would be the only applicant, and does not have a criminal history.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
U-Visa, PLC 22-0071367
Client is a 47-year-old mother. When Client’s daughter was 13 years old, she was the victim of rape at an afterschool center she attended. Minor daughter was also the victim of sexual battery. We have the police report for both incidents. Client reported the crime and assisted her daughter in the investigation of the case. She is seeking assistance with her U-Visa application. She has four children and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
U-Visa, PLC 23-0082483
Client, a 36-year-old domestic violence survivor from Mexico, has 2 children that are US citizens. Client was only 15 years old when she met her abuser and endured approximately 13 years of abuse. Client reported her abuser to the police and obtained a restraining order from the court, which is still valid. Offenses listed on the police report include aggravated assault (CPC 273A(B) – child endangerment – abuse and CPC 273.5(A) – domestic violence – inflict corporal injury – spouse/cohabitant. Client is eligible for a U-Visa and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum
U-Visa, PLC 23-0075174
Client is a 53-year-old man from Mexico. He is not in removal proceedings. In March 2022, Client was the victim of aggravated assault [245(a)(1)] and possession of a destructive device [18710(A)] when his son (a juvenile) threw Molotov cocktails at him. Client provided assistance to the police and son was arrested. Note that Client has 2 DUIs however, they are from 1991 and 2001 and do not trigger an inadmissibility ground. Client is seeking assistance with his U-Visa application and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Maria Mañon Winger
U-Visa, PLC 23-0077296
Client is a victim of domestic violence by her ex-partner. Ex physically, emotionally, and verbally abused Client throughout their 3-year relationship. Client reported this incident to the police and Ex was arrested for domestic violence. Client is seeking assistance with an application for a U-Visa and would be the only applicant. Client is a Spanish speaker.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum
U-Visa, PLC 23-0075333
Client is the victim of domestic violence by her ex-partner. Client experienced daily physical and psychological abuse by her Ex-Partner and father of her children. Client’s Ex was arrested after a family friend witnessed the abuse and called the police. After being released, Client’s Ex stalked and physically assaulted her again. After this incident, Client obtained a three-year restraining order against Ex. Client’s Client and her youngest child live in California. Her oldest two children are in Guatemala. Client is seeking assistance for her U-Visa application and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
U-Visa, PLC 23-0079485
Client is the victim of domestic violence by her ex-husband in the early 1990s. Client experienced physical and psychological abuse by her husband, as documented in the police report. Client’s husband was never arrested and client does not have any current contact with him. Client was able to obtain U-Visa certification from the OC Sheriff’s Department on her own in January 2023, but it has since expired and will need to be requested again. Client is seeking assistance for her U-Visa application and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
U-Visa, PLC 23-0079641
Client is seeking representation in a U-Visa petition based on domestic violence she suffered at the hands of her estranged husband. The domestic violence included physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. She reported the domestic abuse to the Sheriff's Office after her husband physically attacked her in public. Client currently attends therapy to help her overcome the trauma she has endured. She is a monolingual Spanish speaker and single mother of three adult children.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Josie Roberto
U-Visa, PLC 23-0079808
Client is a victim of domestic violence by the father of her two U.S. citizen children. Adverse party physically, emotionally, verbally, and sexually abused Client throughout their 12-year relationship. As a result of the abuse, Client received a restraining order against adverse party in 2002. Client is seeking assistance with an application for a U-Visa and she would be the only applicant. She is a Spanish speaker.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Precious Odum
U-Visa, PLC 23-0079982
Client is seeking representation in a U-visa petition based on domestic violence she suffered at the hands of her husband she is in the process of divorcing. The domestic violence lasted several years and included physical and verbal abuse. After he began to also abuse their children, client gained the courage to report the domestic violence to the family court. Client and her children were granted a two-year Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Client is a monolingual Spanish speaker and single mother to six U.S. citizen children.
Email Co-Supervising Attorney Josie Roberto
U-Visa, PLC 23-0074425
Client is the victim of domestic violence by her ex-husband, father of her children. Client experienced physical and psychological abuse for over 10 years. Client reported her ex-husband to the police multiple times, and finally obtained a 5-year restraining order against him in 2018. Client’s ex-husband was arrested by the police in 2018 after refusing to comply with the terms of the restraining order. Client is seeking assistance for her U-Visa application and is a monolingual Spanish speaker.
Email Staff Attorney Allyssa Scheyer
| |
|
Recoup of Money for Repairs in Rented Property, PLC 23-0082655
Client, 65 years old, is a survivor of domestic violence. She is currently undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. Client’s only source of income is from social security retirement. Client has rented a single-family house for the last 22 years and lives in the unit by herself with her emotional support dog. For several years, Client faced substantial habitability issues including mold, leaking walls, and rotting carpet. Client made several requests to Landlord to repair those issues, however Landlord never completed any of the requested repairs. Client took out a loan for $15,000 to make those needed repairs and is now seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with recouping the $15,000 she invested in the property.
Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker
| |
|
Breach of the Warranty of Habitability, PLC 24-0085844
Client is a senior with disabilities. Multiple times, she has asked Landlord for repairs for insects, mold, and rodents. When she smelled an odor and reported it, Landlord told her it was the sewer. Eventually, Client called the gas company who reported a leak and turned off the gas. Landlord turned the gas back on promptly despite the gas company stating the gas leak was a danger. Client called code enforcement to assist and while there have been violations issued, Landlord has continued to not repair sufficiently. Client has traps all over her apartment for vermin and needs to keep her stove off to not inhale gas fumes. Client is in need of a pro bono attorney to assist.
Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker
Landlord/Tenant—Unlawful Rent Increase, PLC 23-0079528
Monolingual Spanish speaking Client received an unlawful rent increase from her Landlord that went into effect in August 2023. This unlawful rent increase occurred after Client was served with an unlawful detainer based on a 60-Day Notice of Termination of Tenancy for the no fault just cause to perform a substantial remodel. This notice was served almost a year prior to the unlawful detainer being filed. PLC assisted client in having a reasonable accommodation granted for Client to have more time to move out due to her adult son’s developmental disabilities. Landlord decided to continue tenancy past the expiration of the reasonable accommodation. After Client filed an answer to the Unlawful Detainer, Landlord dismissed the unlawful detainer case but continued to charge Client the unlawful rent increase. Client is protected under the Tenant Protection Act (TPA) and this unlawful rent increase is significantly higher than what is allowed under the TPA. PLC has sent Landlord demand letters to rescind the rent increase, but Landlord has ignored the letters and continues to charge Client the unlawful increase every month. Client still cares for her adult child with developmental disabilities. Client would like to obtain assistance with fighting the unlawful rent increase.
Email Staff Attorney Anthony Santana
Recoup Money for Repairs in Rented Property, PLC 23-0082655
Client, 65 years old, is a survivor of domestic violence. She is currently undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. Client’s only source of income is from social security retirement. Client has rented a single-family house for the last 22 years, and lives in the unit by herself with her emotional support dog. For several years, Client faced substantial habitability issues including mold, leaking walls, and rotting carpet, and made several requests to Landlord to repair those issues. Landlord never completed any of the requested repairs, so Client took out a loan for $15,000 to make those needed repairs. Client is now seeking a pro bono attorney to assist with recouping the $15,000 she invested in the property.
Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker
Retaliation & Breach of the Warranty of Habitability, PLC 24-0085306
Client is renting a single-family home and is experiencing habitability issues with the premises. Despite reporting to code enforcement, the repairs have not been made. The landlord has engaged in possible harassment and retaliation against the client, including requesting code enforcement to threaten the client, which they refused. The landlord has shown up multiple times without proper notice and has threatened eviction to the client directly for making complaints to code enforcement. Client is seeking assistance for damages due to retaliation, harassment, and the condition of the house.
Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker
| |
|
Limited Conservatorship Trial, PLC 23-0079652
Client is the father of an adult son who has a developmental delay, and the adverse party is the son's mother. Client wishes to be named the joint conservator along with the mother, but the mother is resisting for reasons that are unclear at this time. The matter is set to go to trial on 7/19/24, with a mandatory settlement conference scheduled for 5/31/24. Any interested attorney(s) can take the matter themselves or choose to co-counsel with one of our Family Law staff attorneys.
Email Staff Attorney Diamond Tran
Trust Contest, PLC 23-0076001
Client’s mother passed on Oct. 11, 2023. Siblings sent a copy of mother’s trust to Client, a beneficiary of her mother’s trust. However, Client claims the trust she received is fake/invalid and there was another trust in place prior to this one. Client wishes to contest the trust distributions. In addition, Client does not believe her mother had sufficient capacity to sign this later trust and may ask to contest the trust as well. Client is aware of the 120-day deadline to contest and looking for immediate assistance. Client would like (1) to remove the trustee and the successor trustees, (2) for someone to review the trust and let her know whether her sister can sell their mother’s home, and (3) to understand what her distributions are under the trust. We have asked for a copy of the trust but have not yet received it.
Email Staff Attorney Morgan Padgett
| |
|
Nonprofit (Existing) – Travel Waiver, PLC 23-0082354
Client is an Orange County nonprofit that works with local youth. Client takes teams of teenagers to local and out-of-state competitions and would like to have its travel consent waiver (signed by parents) reviewed to ensure liability protection for the nonprofit.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Nonprofit (Existing) – Compliance with Federal and State Laws, PLC 24-0084631
Client is an unincorporated nonprofit association of mobile homeowners run by an elderly volunteer who is having trouble navigating compliance issues for the association. The association was founded in October 2018. Client has been told its IRS non-profit status has been revoked based on a call to the IRS. Client needs assistance with its revoked status with the IRS (if possible) and ensuring the association is compliant with all applicable laws moving forward.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Nonprofit (Existing) – Government Contracts, PLC 24-0084237
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) in Orange County that works on behalf of underserved communities to improve quality of life and to challenge ethnic disparities. Client had been awarded a portion of a government contract with a county agency for the past ten (10) years, along with one other provider. Recently, in response to an October Request for Proposal (“RFP”) the contract was awarded to just the other provider, and Client appealed. The County agency cancelled the contract and told Client its appeal was therefore moot. The County has now issued a new substantially similar RFP in February that includes a decrease of $1 million in funding. Client has responded to the RFP, but needs assistance navigating laws relating to government contracts, as well as the next steps should it again be denied a portion of contract.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Nonprofit (Existing) – Insurance & Liability Coverage Issues, PLC 23-0074037
Client is an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit who works with the military and other third parties to bring at risk youth to Catalina. Client is involved in the transport of the individuals to the camp. Client is not a party to the contract between the military and a third party who runs the camps, however, client wants to ensure it has adequate insurance coverage to cover the directors and officers of the nonprofit.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Nonprofit (Startup) – Formation of a Scholarship Foundation, PLC 24-0084654
Client is an existing for-profit real estate brokerage serving the Orange County area. Client is looking for assistance in starting a 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation to accept donations from its owners, staff, and the public to give back to students in the community it serves.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (New Business) – Start-up, PLC 24-0086411
Client is an entrepreneur who wants to launch a business with homemade Indian dishes prepackaged for sale to the public at large. She needs support with the incorporation of her LLC and IP general advice and counseling.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (Existing) – Waiver & Release of Liability, PLC 24-008661
Client is a small business in Orange County that operates an on-site car wash in the parking lot of a large commercial building. Client needs its current waiver and release of liability reviewed/updated to best protect it moving forward. Client would also like advice on best practices to avoid exposure to liability.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (Existing) – Breach of Commercial Lease, PLC 24-0083136A
Client is a small business operated by a father and son. The father is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. Client had a commercial lease (in the son’s name individually) set to expire at the end of 2024. Landlord sold the building and asked Client to leave. Client was unwilling to leave. New Landlord engaged in a series of self-help eviction techniques and harassment to drive Client out of the property, which included: turning off the electricity, removing Client’s front door, performing construction in a manner that damaged Client’s belongings, blocking access to client to enter the property through its back door and garage, and ultimately totally locking Client out of the property in December 2023. New Landlord filed an unlawful detainer and obtained a default judgment of possession in January 2024. All the self-help remedies took place before New Landlord regained possession of the property. Client would like to file a lawsuit to recoup its damages, including damages to its belongings, loss of business/goodwill/clientele, and out-of-pocket costs relating to the multiple breaches.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (Existing) – Breach of Commercial Lease, PLC 24-0083136B
Client is a small business operated by a father and son. The father is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. Client had a commercial lease (in the son’s name individually) set to expire at the end of 2024. See description of the Lease issues directly above (PLC 24-0083136A). Client would like to file a lawsuit against the City of Costa Mesa in connection with the City allowing Landlord to perform substantial renovations allegedly without proper permitting/licensing. Client informed the City and related officials of the issue several times and was never provided a response.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (Existing) – Contract Drafting, PLC 23-0076860
Client is a small business that provides online nutrition-related services such as counseling, educational materials, and seminars. Client is currently running her business as a sole proprietor with a DBA. She seeks legal assistance with creating a consulting agreement, a disclaimer for her website, and advice on HIPPA’s rights and obligations that could affect her business.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
| |
|
Small Business (Existing) – Breach of Commercial Lease, PLC 24-0083136
Client is a small business operated by a father and son. The father is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. Client had a commercial lease (in the son’s name individually) set to expire at the end of 2024. Landlord sold the building and asked Client to leave. Client was unwilling to leave. New Landlord engaged in a series of self-help eviction techniques and harassment to drive Client out of the property, which included: turning off the electricity, removing Client’s front door, performing construction in a manner that damaged Client’s belongings, blocking access to client to enter the property through its back door and garage, and ultimately totally locking Client out of the property in December 2023. New Landlord filed an unlawful detainer and obtained a default judgment of possession in January 2024. All the self-help remedies took place before New Landlord regained possession of the property. Client would like to file a lawsuit to recoup its damages, including damages to its belongings, loss of business/goodwill/clientele, and out-of-pocket costs relating to the multiple breaches.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
Small Business (Existing) – Breach of Commercial Lease, PLC 24-0083136B
Client is a small business operated by a father and son. The father is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. Client had a commercial lease (in the son’s name individually) set to expire at the end of 2024. See description of the Lease issues directly above (PLC 24-0083136A). Client would like to file a lawsuit against the City of Costa Mesa in connection with the City allowing Landlord to perform substantial renovations allegedly without proper permitting/licensing. Client informed the City and related officials of the issue several times and was never provided a response.
Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce
| |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
ReENTRY/CONVICTION RELIEF | No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | |
No cases available for placement as of today, but please email volunteer@publiclawcenter.org if you are interested in this case type, and we can reach out if a case comes in before the next case list. | | | | |
