Dozens Get Free Legal Help

By LOU PONSI, The Orange County Register

Dozens of low-income individuals in need of legal assistance were matched with volunteer attorneys at four locations around the county Tuesday. The Public Law Center, a Santa Ana-based, nonprofit law firm, hosted the free clinics in Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, La Habra and Santa Ana,

Clients got legal help with cases that included foreclosures, tenants' rights, family law, adoptions and guardianships and immigration. Domestic violence victims and sexual abuse victims were also among the clients who received legal counsel.

More than 50 volunteer attorneys had committed to provided legal counsel to at least 125 people, said Kirsten Kreymann, pro bono director for the Public Law Center.

Fullerton attorney Chris Neumeyer saw clients at the La Habra clinic.

"Attorneys are expensive, and some people can have their legal case resolved by just talking to an attorney, but many people can't afford them," Neumeyer said. "I feel that there is a social justice to being an attorney and we have an obligation to give back."

Recent law school graduate, Stephen Sargeant, was volunteering his legal expertise for the first time.

"Personally, I just like to help people," Sargeant said.

Whether the case requires services for the long term, or is basic enough to be resolved at Tuesday's clinic, the Public Law Center will follow it to completion, Kreymann said.

One client showed up at the La Habra clinic hoping to have an issue with her landlord resolved. The Brea resident said her landlord was refusing to pay for new carpet, which would improve her child's asthma.

"This is a good opportunity to get possible legal representation," said Claudia, who asked that her last name not be used.

The Public Law Center regularly hosts free legal clinics throughout the county, Kreymann said, but Tuesday was the first time the center has ever coordinated simultaneous county-wide clinics.

Lawyers wouldn't take on criminal cases or cases involving medical malpractice or personal injury.

The free clinics were held to commemorate the first ever National Pro Bono Week, which was designated by the American Bar Association.

"We hope to do it again next year," Kreymann said.