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July 9, 2024

Greetings,

Last month PLC hosted our Volunteers For Justice Event, and we cannot thank our community enough for their support. On June 11, the Orange County pro bono community came together to celebrate our achievements and raise $675,000 towards access to justice.

At the event we celebrated our Law Firm of the Year, Sheppard Mullin, for their work with our De Facto Parent and Adoption Clinic, and for their efforts on an impact litigation case representing the Mental Health Association of Orange County.

We currently have one impact litigation case on our case list in need of pro bono support. Assistance with impact litigation cases is crucial for PLC, as these cases allow us to create systemic change for low-income residents of Orange County and the organizations who serve them, in turn benefiting countless individuals. If you are looking for a matter on a smaller scale, new cases this month include a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case, as well two mobilehome matters where clients are seeking help in removing a lien and adding their name/transferring title of the mobilehome into their name. To take on a pro bono case, feel free to contact me, or the assigned attorney listed below each case.

Sincerely,

Angela Mestre

Pro Bono Coordinator

DISABILITY RIGHTS

Disability Rights in Housing, PLC 22-005657

The client is an individual with various disabilities and medical conditions. Client made complaints regarding the habitability of his unit and instead of addressing the concerns, Landlord initiated eviction proceedings against him for alleged violations of nonexistent lease terms. During negotiations to resolve the eviction, Client requested a reasonable accommodation to be transferred to a more accessible unit. Over two years have passed and to date, Landlord has failed to accommodate Client's disability or to complete negotiations resolving the eviction case. During Landlord's constant delays, Client has been hospitalized three times. Client has filed a claim with the Civil Rights Department based on discrimination and retaliation issues and would like assistance bringing a suit against Landlord for disability discrimination for not granting the accommodation or engaging in the interactive process in a timely fashion.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

FINANCIAL/INCOME PROTECTION

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

IMMIGRATION

U-Visa, PLC Case 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 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

IMPACT LITIGATION

Unlawful Mass Evictions, PLC 24-0088905

Landlord is evicting entire building(s) of tenants in violation of Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and recent amendments. Landlord has issued 60-Day notices to vacate to multiple families claiming the need to substantially remodel. The notices, which expire mid-June appear to violate the Tenant Protection Act as updated on April 1, 2024 by failing to show a substantial remodel will occur requiring tenants to vacate for thirty days and for failing to give tenants the option to return after any alleged repairs are completed. Clients would like assistance with challenging the notices, possibly obtaining temporary relocation assistance from the landlord if necessary, and obtaining the right to reoccupy at a comparable rental cost as required by the Tenant Protection Act.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Mobilehome – Lien on Title​, PLC 24-0088736

Client is seeking to add his name to the mobilehome’s title (family transfer), but the transfer is being hindered by a lien on the mobilehome that was recorded about 20 years ago. The lienholder passed away in 2008, and the client has been trying to locate the heirs but has been unsuccessful. Client is seeking help in removing the lien and adding his name to the title of the mobilehome.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Mobilehome – Lien on Title​, PLC 23-0081752

Client purchased a mobilehome in 2018 but title was never transferred to his name. The name on title belongs to the original owners and not the person who sold Client the mobilehome. Client is unable to reach any of the previous owners. There is also a lien recorded on the title from more than 30 years ago under the original owners’ name. Client is seeking help in removing the lien and transferring the title of the mobilehome into his name.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Retaliation & Breach of the Warranty of Habitability, PLC 24-0090241

Client is a 36-year-old mother living in a two-unit duplex with her 11-year-old daughter. Client has reported various habitability issues including electrical damage, infestations, water damage, and a severe case of mold, which has been impacting Client’s health and that of her minor daughter. Client has requested repairs of the landlord in writing and code enforcement has issued multiple citations to the landlord. Landlord previously filed an unlawful detainer against Client, but Client was able to defeat the eviction and Landlord has since issued additional eviction and rent increase notices. Client is seeking assistance obtaining repairs for the unit and damages for the uninhabitable conditions they have experienced.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Disability Rights in Housing, PLC 22-005657

The client is an individual with various disabilities and medical conditions. Client made complaints regarding the habitability of his unit and instead of addressing the concerns, Landlord initiated eviction proceedings against him for alleged violations of nonexistent lease terms. During negotiations to resolve the eviction, Client requested a reasonable accommodation to be transferred to a more accessible unit. Over two years have passed and to date, Landlord has failed to accommodate Client's disability or to complete negotiations resolving the eviction case. During Landlord's constant delays, Client has been hospitalized three times. Client has filed a claim with the Civil Rights Department based on discrimination and retaliation issues and would like assistance bringing a suit against Landlord for disability discrimination for not granting the accommodation or engaging in the interactive process in a timely fashion.

Email Directing Attorney Richard Walker

Mobilehome Title, PLC 24-0088369

Client, a monolingual Spanish speaker, spent her life savings in 2021 on the purchase of her mobilehome at an auction conducted by Mobilehome Park in 2021. Client recently discovered that Mobilehome Park failed to obtain title to the mobilehome before auctioning it and failed to transfer title to her when she purchased it. Client also discovered there is a previously undisclosed lien on the mobilehome from a former owner and years of unpaid taxes. Client is looking for help with the title, lien, and tax issues.

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

PROBATE/TRUSTS & ESTATES

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 – Trademark, PLC- 24-0090966

Client is an established nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide environmental protection for our ocean marine resources. Client is seeking assistance with the refiling of a Trademark that was canceled for failure to reapply by the deadline.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Existing Nonprofit (Breast Cancer Support) – Change in IRS Status, PLC 24-0089472

Client is an established nonprofit committed to providing support and education to breast cancer patients, their families, and the community at large. The client provides optimism, knowledge, and support from diagnosis through survivorship, including navigation of the health care system for those currently battling or at risk of breast cancer. The client wants to convert its status as a “private foundation” to a “public charity” with the IRS.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Existing Nonprofit (Human Trafficking) – Assistance with Media Waiver, PLC 24-0087921

Client is an existing nonprofit that operates globally in combating human trafficking and providing assistance and resources to victims. Client needs assistance in the review of its current media waiver and/or in drafting a new media waiver in light of Client’s global presence.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Existing Nonprofit (Neighborhood Development) – Compliance Review, PLC 24-0089511

Client is an established nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free food to low-income families. The nonprofit needs legal assistance to review current practices and ensure is compliant with all government agencies and applicable laws, including employment law.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

Existing Nonprofit (Youth) – Establish New Related Nonprofit, PLC 24-0089525

Client is an existing nonprofit whose mission is to improve children’s mental health and wellness and to support families. Client wishes to move an existing program into a new nonprofit. The new nonprofit will provide families with access to holistic healing options and resources to achieve optimal mental health and wellness.

Email Supervising Attorney Brigid Joyce

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) – 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 (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

ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN

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.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

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.

JUSTICE FOR OLDER ADULTS

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.

TAX

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.

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