Our Stories

LA City Council Votes 14-0 to Fix Law That Led to $1,000 Tickets for Late Students
The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 on Feb. 22 to fix the city’s broken student curfew law, culminating years of action by Public Counsel and other groups across the city.
Shocking Case Puts Patient Dumping Back in the Spotlight
Public Counsel helped expose the problem of patient dumping by Los Angeles hospitals and change it. But a new case featured in the Los Angeles Times puts the issue back in the spotlight.
LA County Takes Major Step to Combat Section 8 Discrimination in the Antelope Valley
A Public Counsel lawsuit last year exposed a frightening fact: For years, black and Latino families who are part of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale faced harassment from officials. Now Los Angeles County has approved a breakthrough agreement that that will combat discrimination and help heal the divisions in the community.
Big Step Toward Justice for Immigrants with Mental Disabilities: Court Clears Way for Class Action Lawsuit
In 2010 a Public Counsel lawsuit exposed a harsh fact: Immigrants with severe mental disabilities are held in U.S. detention centers, sometimes for years, without access to attorneys. Now a federal court has cleared the way for a class action lawsuit on behalf of people detained with no way to resolve their cases.
Report Exposes Truancy Ticket Failure as LA City Council Takes Historic Action
Students, teachers and parents watched as the Los Angeles City Council Public Safety Committee approved historic changes to the city’s daytime curfew law intended to support student attendance. Report shows truancy and tardy tickets deter students from showing up to class.
Just Fashion Brings Out Stars and Styles to Benefit Public Counsel
Public Counsel's first-ever Just Fashion brought together stars and top designers at LA Fashion Weekend to raise money for our work in the community. See photos from the show.
Public Counsel Applauds New $1 Million Grant to Restore Youths' Futures
Youth who wind up in the juvenile justice system too often lose out on their futures too. But a new $1 million grant aims to restore hope for more than 1,200 youth in South Los Angeles.
How a Remarkable Adoption Led to Statewide Change for Children
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed SB 368, a little-noticed law that will make a huge difference for children with serious emotional, medical and self-care needs in the foster-care system. The law, authored by California Sen. Carol Liu, was the result of a remarkable family adoption by Public Counsel and the law firm of Reed Smith LLP.
Nation's Largest School Police Force Joins LAPD in Reducing Tickets to Students
Responding to disturbing evidence about how tickets target students of color and families who can least afford to pay, the Los Angeles School Police Department has changed its protocols to cut the number of curfew tickets and support graduation efforts.
LA Times Exposes How California Is Failing Its Farm Workers
Public Counsel is working to protect farm workers from heat-related illness. The Los Angeles Times profiles the impact of California's failure to protect some of its hardest-working residents from soaring temperatures and harsh conditions.
Transit Plan Puts Former Foster Youth in Driver's Seat
For many former Los Angeles foster youth learning to live on their own, just getting around town can be an expensive ordeal. Now a new plan could make it easy to catch a bus or train and connect with work, school and family in Los Angeles County.
Antelope Valley Fair Housing Update: U.S. Launches Probe of L.A. Sheriff Over Racial Allegations
U.S. officials are investigating possible fair housing violations in the Antelope Valley, Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez told reporters. The huge announcement comes two months after Public Counsel and other groups filed a federal lawsuit against the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale.
Public Counsel in the LA Times: How Miguel Canto Went Missing
Public Counsel's Talia Inlender wrote in the Los Angeles Times about Miguel Canto, a man who got lost in the legal system and then was released to the streets -- cast off by our nation's broken immigration laws.
Public Counsel Helps Venice Residents Protect a 'Unique Place'
Public Counsel and Venice residents filed an agreement that protects the largest federally subsidized housing development on Los Angeles' Westside for 20 years.
'We Are Public Counsel': Snapshots from the 2011 Pro Bono Awards
Public Counsel celebrates the attorneys and professionals who helped us provide free legal help valued at $88 million last year and change thousands of lives. "Our honorees are talented attorneys and professionals and they are making our city and nation a better place to live," said President and CEO Hernan Vera.
'A Better Life for Families': Public Counsel and Antelope Valley Residents Fight for Fair Housing
Antelope Valley residents went to court on Tuesday, June 7, to stop racial discrimination against 3,600 black and Latino families in Lancaster and Palmdale, two cities north of Los Angeles.
California Parents Escaping Poverty Can Keep Child Care
Having affordable, safe child care is critical for parents escaping poverty. The state of California has agreed to ensure that working families will continue to have assistance, despite ongoing budget uncertainties in Sacramento.
We're Helping Mothers with Their Lives, not Just the Law
Public Counsel's medical-legal partnership with SHIELDS for Families and St. John's Well Child and Family Health Center can keep small problems from becoming big ones.
How a Faster Bus Could Help Change Los Angeles Veterans' Lives
For homeless veterans in Los Angeles, the 720 bus down Wilshire Boulevard isn't just transportation, it's a lifeline between the shelters of Skid Row and the hope of recovery. A plan to create a bus-only lane could speed travel times not just for hundreds of veterans, but for 80,000 other people who ride the 720 every day.
We're Helping 'Unlock the Courthouse Doors' for Tenants Facing Eviction
Public Counsel is one of four prominent legal groups awarded $8.4 million over three years to provide legal representation and other assistance to 15,000 people facing eviction in some of Los Angeles’ poorest neighborhoods.
President Bill Clinton to Public Counsel: 'You Are Doing a Noble Thing'
More than 1,200 Public Counsel supporters packed the Beverly Hilton to watch President Bill Clinton accept the William O. Douglas award on Friday, March 18. "You are doing a noble thing," said the 42nd president and founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "You have no idea how many people you've given a different story because you've stepped into the breach for people who have no power."
Public Counsel Efforts Lead to LAPD Commitment to Reduce Curfew Tickets, Help Students Succeed
For years, Los Angeles students have been caught up in police curfew sweeps that target African American and Latino youth. That could change when a revised LAPD protocol goes into effect on April 1 as a result of Public Counsel's efforts.
Public Counsel and The Salvation Army Team Up to Tackle Veterans' Legal Needs
Two powerful voices for America's veterans have teamed up to help clear away legal hurdles facing homeless veterans. Public Counsel and The Salvation Army announced a breakthrough partnership that will bring in-person legal services to hundreds of veterans and their families that The Salvation Army serves throughout the Los Angeles area.
Students, Families and Teachers Kick Off a 'Drive for Dignity' to Keep Youth on Track
Students, families and teachers kicked off a Drive for Dignity on Tuesday, May 24, to put the focus on major efforts to keep students in school and "on the road" to their future.
South L.A. Schools Are Swapping Student Suspensions for Better Support
Too many students face discipline or even suspension for behavior issues that start at home. It's part of the "pushout" crisis of students leaving early, and it especially affects African American students. Now South L.A. schools are leading the way to keep students in school.
Video: Public Counsel Is a Force for Equality
Public Counsel is the nation's largest pro-bono law firm and we've been working to serve the community for 40 years. Watch Norman Lear, Rep. John Lewis, Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times and others talk about our work for children, families, persecuted immigrants and those seeking justice.
Run for Justice Rocks the Ravine
More than 400 runners from 30 different law firms and companies hit the hills of Chavez Ravine for the 8th annual Run for Justice at Dodger Stadium.
Public Counsel Speaks Out as LA County Takes a Critical Step to Protect Youth Leaving Foster Care System
Public Counsel spoke out as the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ambitious plan to protect youth as they age out of the child welfare system.
Public Counsel and Partners Secure Legal Help for Mentally Disabled Immigrants in Detention
In a major decision, a U.S. district court has ruled that federal officials must provide representation and bond hearings for two men with severe mental disabilities while they fight their deportation cases. Judge Dolly Gee's decision marks one of the first instances... Read more
South LA Residents' Voices are Heard Loud and Clear in Negotiations over Major Development Project Along the Expo Line
Public Counsel Staff Attorney Serena Lin negotiated a multi-million dollar community benefits agreement on behalf of community groups in South LA -- providing health care for the underserved, affordable housing, living wage jobs and small business development.
Judge Approves Landmark Settlement to Protect Education Rights
Superior Court Judge William F. Highberger approved the landmark settlement in Reed v. State of California, et al., a class action suit filed by Public Counsel, the ACLU, and Morrison & Foerster, LLP to address the devastating impact of massive and disproportionate teacher layoffs in schools in economically challenged communities and in communities of color.
Judge Orders Immigrants be Represented
In possibly the first ruling of its kind, a federal judge ordered the government Wednesday to provide legal representation to two mentally disabled men facing deportation. The ruling, in a class-action lawsuit filed by American Civil Liberties Union chapters in San Diego and Los Angeles, Public Counsel and Sullivan & Cromwell on behalf of Ever Francisco Martinez-Rivas, 31, and Aleksanber Petrovich Khukryanksiy, 45, also held that the men are entitled to bond hearings. Click on the heading to read the article.
Public Counsel's Rapid Response Supports Low-Cost Lending to People Hurt by Economic Crisis
Nonprofit community development credit unions have long offered an economic lifeline to communities that have been abandoned by commercial banks and targeted by high-priced check cashers and predatory lenders. Public Counsel went into action to help local lenders qualify for federal funding.
Public Counsel and its Allies Restore Mental Health Services for Students
A federal court in Los Angeles approved a stipulated injunction this month which will temporarily restore educationally-related mental health services to California and Los Angeles County students who require the services to stay in school.
Disabled Skid Row Residents Benefit from New Clinic
"John," a resident of a Skid Row shelter, had fallen on hard times as his health deteriorated in the past several years, and he was no longer able to work. His chronic lung and heart problems were treated only when he would periodically collapse and be taken to a local emergency room. With the help of Public Counsel's new Disability Benefits Clinic, John obtained SSDI benefits and Medicare. He now has access to regular medical care and a permanent supportive home. Read more...
Child Care Centers Get Help
Many people trying to open child care centers say they often find themselves up against a wall of red tape, struggling to decipher a long list of city permit requirements and the related expenses that often accompany efforts to set up these centers in new areas. That's where Public Counsel's Early Care and Education Law Project comes in.
Effort to Restore Children's Play Gains Momentum
NEWS FLASH: YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD PLAY. Unfortunately to many, this is a "news flash." In misguided attempts to regulate the world of young children: so that they never have an accident; so that they don't disturb others; and to force feed them academics, our communities have lost sight of what is important to a young child. This New York Times article highlights efforts of parents, scientists and psychologists to bring back old-fashioned unstructured play time for young children. Click on the heading to read the article.
Traumatic Brain Injury Affects Veteran's Life Back at Home
Jason is a veteran of the Iraq War and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Because of his injuries, Jason was unable to keep a job. His legal and financial difficulties were keeping him from moving forward with his life. Public Counsel advocated to increase his disability compensation three-fold.
Public Counsel and Its Allies File Class Action to Restore Mental Health Services Cut By Governor
A class action lawsuit to preserve lifeline services for more than 20,000 students was filed today in federal court by Public Counsel, Disability Rights California, Mental Health Advocacy Services and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. For almost 25 years California has been providing critical "AB 3632" services through county mental health departments to special education students who need mental health support to stay in school. The services include crisis counseling, case management, medication management and residential placement. Read more...
Reuniting a Family Fleeing Torture
After fleeing from torture in Cameroon and enduring a six year battle in immigration court, Clarisse was granted asylum and is finally able to bring her children to safety in the United States, far from the authorities who tortured and killed her family. Read more...
Children with Autism Regain Important Therapy Through Class Action Lawsuit
Over 200 low-income children with autism were dealt a blow when the East Los Angeles Regional Center threatened to cut off their floortime therapy - a therapy that helps build critical communication and social interaction skills. Public Counsel and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP filed a class-action lawsuit and obtained an injunction to stop the cut. Read more...
Paraplegic Patient "Dumped" Without his Wheelchair
A 43-year old paraplegic man who was homeless was discharged from the hospital onto skid row without his wheelchair. Public Counsel helped him secure shelter and medical care, and fought for new discharge protocols for future homeless patients.
Peace and Quiet at Last for Tenant Sued by Neighbor
Victor had lived in his apartment building for over a decade when new neighbors moved into the unit below his. After he complained about the noise and disturbance caused by these neighbors, the neighbors sued him in federal court. Without money to pay an attorney, Victor was on the verge of losing the lawsuit by default when he arrived at Public Counsel's Proskauer Federal Pro Se Clinic.
Affordable Housing Gets Short Shrift
The Los Angeles Times article, "Cities often give short shrift to affordable housing," detailed how cities across California are skirting or ignoring laws requiring them to build affordable housing - and wasting tax dollars in the process. Read more about the pro bono firms and agencies who have worked with Public Counsel to bring this issue to the public.
60 New Affordable Homes for Seniors - In Honor of Rosa Parks
Public Counsel and pro bono attorneys helped to make possible the development of the Rosa Parks Villas, 60 homes for low-income seniors and a gateway to revitalizing the Crenshaw corridor.
Getting a Veteran Back to Work
Alvin Meitzenheimer, a Vietnam War-era veteran, faced losing his livelihood when his tools were stolen from an employer's worksite. Public Counsel's volunteer attorneys helped obtain compensation to replace the tools.
Teenagers in Foster Care Fight for a "Normal" Adolescence
Four teenage siblings living in foster care had their lives turned upside down when their school district labeled them severely emotionally disturbed and removed them from public school. Public Counsel helped them challenge this placement and fought for changes to the way the state educates other foster youth in group homes.
Homeless Students are Back on the Bus to School
Public Counsel and other advocates fight to ensure that homeless children receive appropriate transportation to be able to finish the school year.
Asylum for a Young Woman Fleeing Rwanda
Alondra survived torture during the time of the Rwandan genocide, only to be threatened again years later when she was asked to testify against her torturer. She fled to the United States, fearing for her life.
Entrepreneur Emerges from Homelessness
Kika moved to Los Angeles with the dream of making her small business a success. Although personal challenges led her to spend time in a homeless shelter, she is now back on her feet and successfully expanding her company.
His Brother's Keeper
When Elsa learned that her death was imminent, her most pressing concern was for her two children. She feared her 11 year-old son Manuel would be put in foster care and separated from his 18 year-old brother Jose-Luis. Public Counsel's Peace of Mind Project helped Jose-Luis become guardian to Manuel.
Homeless Man Faced with Navigating the Appeals System to Get His House Back
Mr. Pilar was rendered homeless and was forced to live out of his car when someone forged a signature purporting to transfer his house to another person. Mr. Pilar filed a handwritten complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court. The court dismissed the lawsuit, saying Mr. Pilar did not adequately explain why he was entitled to relief. Mr. Pilar appealed, with assistance from Public Counsel's Appellate Law Program.
A Family Reunion
Carmen Fierros couldn't be happier to have her boys, now grown men of 18 and 22, in her arms again. The Fierros family was reunited after 10 years of separation when Carmen was approved for a U Visa to stay in the U.S. after helping law enforcement prosecute her abusive husband.
Fleeing Persecution - A Family Finds Asylum
"Amani" is a 16 year-old girl from a country ruled by a repressive regime. Her family has a history of political activism. Persecution of Amani's family culminated when pro-government forces followed Amani home and poured acid over her face. Amani fled with her parents to Los Angeles. Each year, our Immigrants' Rights Project assists hundreds of victims of persecution, domestic violence, human trafficking and hate crimes.
Pregnant and Homeless
Denise was 19 years old, single, pregnant, homeless, and had outstanding tickets when she met Public Counsel AmeriCorps Legal Fellow Christine Khalili-Borna at a legal clinic provided by Public Counsel in a drop-in center for homeless youth.
Sister and Brother Reunited in a New Loving Family
"Jaime" and "Jennifer" were scared and confused after their mother overdosed on drugs, their father abandoned them and they were removed from their home. Because Child Protective Services could not find a relative to take the children, they were placed in separate emergency foster homes--losing their last semblance of a family.
Landmark Court Settlement Saves Child Care for Thousands of Working Families
Rebuking Gov. Schwarzenegger's veto, Alameda County judge approves extension of child care through 2010.
Lynwood Families Fight to Preserve Affordable Homes
When the City of Lynwood approved the demolition of a mobile home park, eight families from the park approached Public Counsel with a plea to help save their homes. On behalf of these eight families and all other low-income residents of Lynwood, Public Counsel's Community Development Project (CDP) engaged in a two-year legal battle with the Lynwood Redevelopment Agency.
ECE Honors Neil O'Hanlon at the 11th Annual Volunteer Gala
Public Counsel's Early Care & Education Law Project honors volunteer attorney Neil O'Hanlon for his commitment to increasing child care services for working families.
Family Child Care Provider Threatened With Eviction
A young mother who provides family child care in her apartment was threatened with eviction, after her landlord was ordered by the L.A. Housing Department to reduce her rent due to negligent maintenance. Public Counsel and volunteer attorneys from Jones Day fought to help her stay in her home and continue to provide child care to her community.
Settlement of Landmark Lawsuit Alleging Failure to Provide Education to Youth Detained at Camp Challenger
LOS ANGELES, November 4, 2010 - The parties today announced the settlement of a landmark class action lawsuit filed against Los Angeles County agencies alleging the failure to provide a constitutionally adequate education to youth detained at Camp Challenger, the County's largest juvenile detention facility.
Public Counsel Celebrates National Adoption Day in Los Angeles
Adoptions for 130 foster children were finalized on Friday, November 19, 2010 as part of the 11th Annual National Adoption Day. National Adoption Day in Los Angeles is a collaborative effort of Public Counsel, the Los Angeles Juvenile Court, the Alliance for Children's Rights and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services.
"No Crying Babies"
Mary Jaw operates a family child care business in a condominium. A homeowners association hearing was scheduled after a couple of Mrs. Jaw's neighbors complained that crying infants in Mrs. Jaw's care were causing excessive noise. Mrs. Jaw contacted Public Counsel, concerned about the hearing and its potential ramifications for her livelihood.
School Districts Again Responsible for Mental Health Services
Last week, California returned full legal responsibility for providing educationally-related mental health services to special education students back to school districts. This crucial program for providing mental health services for children is known as AB 3632, or, in some counties, "Chapter 26.5" or "AB 2726."
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OUR STORIES
Public Counsel Finds Representation for Woman After Attorney Abandons Her
After paying an attorney $1700 to represent her in a bankruptcy case, a monolingual Spanish speaker found that her attorney had abandoned her.
Protecting Debtors from Fraud and Abuse
Many debtors at Public Counsel's Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk have received incompetent advice from bankruptcy petition preparers.
Fighting Loan Modification Fraud in the Bankruptcy Court
An elderly couple visited Public Counsel's Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk because they were afraid of losing their home. Public Counsel's pro bono volunteers helped to stop the foreclosure process.
Helping a Single Mother Recover $2,000
Public Counsel assisted a single mother with an autistic child to recover $2,000 that had been garnished before she filed for bankruptcy.
Golfers Tee Off for Public Counsel's Debtors Assistance Project
Golfers teed off for a good cause at the Earle Hagen Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Public Counsel's Debtors Assistance Project. Public Counsel has assisted thousands of Californians facing possible bankruptcy with free legal advice through its clinic in downtown Los Angeles.
Public Counsel Uncovers Foreclosure Rescue Scam
Public Counsel successfully represents bankruptcy identity theft victim and uncovers large-scale fraud by foreclosure rescue scam company; perpetrators under arrest.
'We Are Public Counsel': Snapshots from the 2011 Pro Bono Awards
Public Counsel celebrates the attorneys and professionals who helped us provide free legal help valued at $88 million last year and change thousands of lives. "Our honorees are talented attorneys and professionals and they are making our city and nation a better place to live," said President and CEO Hernan Vera.
El Monte Puts Child Care on the Map
Elderly Woman Saves Her Family Home
An 83 year-old grandmother was on the verge of losing the home in which she had lived and raised her family since 1967. Public Counsel helped her fight back and she was able to keep her property. This article describes her story, and a common home equity fraud scam that preys upon elderly homeowners.
Bankruptcy Self Help Desk Gives Debtors Some Peace of Mind
Public Counsel's Bankruptcy Self Help Desk assists in understanding and preparing filings in bankruptcy cases - in this instance helping a family avoid foreclosure while negotiating a loan modification.
A Grandmother Risks Losing Her Home
An 83-year old woman faced with foreclosure gets help from Public Counsel to fight loans obtained through elder abuse.
Our Stories Archive