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
WTLC Named Public Law Center’s Community Partner of the Year
July 13, 2022, Fullerton Observer
For bargain-rate legal help, something isn’t always better than nothing
March 27, 2022, Reuters
Knobbe Martens Partner Christy Lea to Serve as 2022 President of Orange County’s Public Law Center Board of Directors
January 6, 2022, BusinessWire
Santa Ana proposes to increase developer fees, push for local workers
April 18, 2022, OC Register
How Are OC Cities Planning To Spend Their Federal Neighborhood Grant Money?
May 3, 2022, Voice of OC
Letters to the Editor: How a state bar plan could make shoddy legal service flourish
February 10, 2022, LA Times
California must end legal abuse of borrowers by collection agencies
August 24, 2021, CalMatters
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 News Release on $5.8 Billion Debt Discharge for Former Corinthian College Students
Santa Ana - PLC clients, mostly young women of color, finally received justice yesterday when the U.S. Department of Education discharged $5.8 billion in federal student loans for former students defrauded by Corinthian Colleges. ... Read More
PLC Leadership Transition
Dear Friends: I write to let you know that a few weeks ago I informed Public Law Center’s Board and Staff that 2022 will be my last year at PLC. After having the honor ... Read More
PLC Advocacy Featured in Oscar-shortlisted Documentary
An Oscar-shortlisted documentary titled “The Facility,” uses footage from pay-per-minute video calls—including ones between PLC Directing Attorney Monica Glicken and her client—from a now shuttered ICE Detention Center to provide a glimpse of the ... 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
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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.