The Public Law Center is a pro-bono law firm that provides access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County
Who We Are
Founded in 1981, The Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low income residents and other nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, Public Law Center staff and volunteers provided over 65,000 hours of free legal services in handling over 4,500 cases benefiting low-income children, adults and seniors. The estimated value of this work is roughly $60 million in just the past three years. Our services include counseling, individual representation, community education and strategic policy advocacy and impact litigation to challenge societal injustices.
Our Volunteers
Volunteers can change somebody’s life. Last year, volunteers gave over 34,000 pro bono hours to assist our clients. Our volunteers include partners and associates at major law firms, in-house corporate counsel, solo and small firm practitioners, young lawyers, paralegals, law students, college students and an array of individuals concerned about ensuring access to justice. Our staff is committed to providing training, mentorship, samples, technical assistance, and Spanish and Vietnamese translation and interpretation to support our pro bono volunteers.
Who We Serve
We serve a wide range of clients, including immigrants, minorities, veterans, seniors, children, and low-income residents of Orange County. The issues range from domestic violence, human trafficking, guardianship, housing, health, bankruptcy, asylum, family law, consumer fraud, immigration, discrimination, and advocacy. Our services range from training seminars to individual legal advice to full representation. We also provide extensive legal support to Orange County nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations so they can better meet their legal obligations, protect themselves from unnecessary litigation, and focus on delivering critical services to Orange County residents.
Press
California Senate Passes Bill To License Debt Collectors
June 28, 2020, Patch
Immigrant Detainees At Adelanto Say Officers Pepper-Sprayed Them For Peacefully Protesting
June 22, 2020, LAist
UCI Law helping 200-plus immigrants apply for citizenship
September 17, 2019, UCI News
Speak up, Stand up and know your Rights
February 25, 2019, The Hornet
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine to start free legal clinic
February 22, 2019, Orange County Register
Immigrant Justice Corps Announces 2019 Justice Fellows
February 20, 2019, AP News
Upcoming Events
If you have questions about filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, please contact 714-541-1010, x 235 to make an appointment for PLC’s Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Clinic. Please make sure to leave your name and phone number, and make sure your phone can receive calls and messages.
Si usted tiene preguntas acerca bancarrota, por favor llame al 714-541-1010, x. 235 para programar una cita. Deje su nombre y número de teléfono, y asegúrese de que su teléfono puede aceptar llamadas y mensajes.
PLC News
PLC Statement on the Supreme Court’s DACA Decision
This morning, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in September 2017. PLC is excited and hopeful the ... Read More
Public Law Center stands in solidarity against racism and inequity
Our mission to achieve access to justice has long included working to dismantle institutional barriers to safe and healthy places for our clients to live. As a nation, we have far ... Read More
PLC’s New Elder Abuse Prevention Grant
Santa Ana - Public Law Center, in partnership with the Council on Aging Southern California (COASC), is one of six organizations nationally (and the only one in California) to receive the first-ever Legal Assistance ... Read More
Donate Now
The Public Law Center relies on your tax-deductible donation to continue to carry out our mission of providing access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County.
Buy Through Amazon
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Public Law Center whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. Just click through and search and select Public Law Center.
A Model of Leadership
Public Law Center is a model organization – view our service record and 3 star rating on Charity Navigator.
On GuideStar
Public Law Center is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant. Learn what it means to be a Gold Participant.