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

» All Press