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National Pro Bono Week
As part of the American Bar Association's first ever "Celebrate Pro Bono Week" the Public Law Center held several events designed to spotlight pro bono. Combining training, service and celebration, PLC's participation in the inaugural pro bono week was a huge success.
On Monday, October 26, over two dozen lawyers received training on guardianship law so they could participate in PLC's weekly Guardianship Clinic held in partnership with the Orange County Superior Court and the Orange County Bar Association. Supervising Probate Judge Mary Schulte was among the panelists who gave these new volunteers the tools needed to assist self represented litigants in guardianship proceedings.
On Tuesday, October 27, we were proud to have 52 volunteers participate in PLC's "Justice for All" Legal Clinic Day. Free legal clinics were held during the day and into the evening in Costa Mesa, La Habra, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana. Through these clinics, 115 low-income clients were able to meet with a PLC volunteer. Cases included bankruptcy, foreclosure, domestic violence, dissolution, eviction and immigration. As volunteer Stephen Sargeant told the Orange County Register, "Personally, I just like to help people." Along with our many volunteers, all of PLC's staff pitched in to help - led by the indefatigable Evelyn Fuentes, one of our administrative assistant/intake screeners who attended clinics in Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana, and was still ready for more work at 10:00 pm as the day wound down; her colleague Ada Aleman also helped at both the Costa Mesa and La Habra clinics.
On Thursday, October 29, PLC capped off the week with the 4th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception. PLC volunteers during the past year were invited to attend a night of camaraderie with fellow volunteers and food and drink (and Game 2 of the World Series) at J.T. Schmid's in the District in Tustin. The 150 volunteers in attendance were inspired to further action by the words of Rutan & Tucker associate and PLC volunteer Eddie Gerard who shared a few words about his pro bono experience with PLC. Thanks to our generous donors who uunderwrote this important PLC friend raiser. |
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