Public Counsel - Nation's Largest Pro-Bono Law Firm
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Video
  • 50 Years of Justice: Anniversary Livestream Special
    In 2020, Public Counsel's Anniversary Livestream Special celebrated 50 years of justice, hope, and opportunity for all.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom Accepts Public Counsel's 2019 William O. Douglas Award
    Governor Gavin Newsom accepts Public Counsel's highest award at the 2019 William O. Douglas Award dinner at the Beverly Hilton on October 24, 2019.
  • 2019 William O Douglas Awards Dinner
    Check out the highlights from our 2019 Douglas Dinner! We had amazing honorees and celebrated our incredible clients.
  • Mike Farrell Accepts Public Counsel's 2018 William O. Douglas Award
    Mike Farrell, recipient of Public Counsel's 2018 William O. Douglas Award, speaks at the annual Douglas Dinner on October 3, 2018.
  • Grammy-nominated musical guest Aloe Blacc Performs at the 2018 Douglas Dinner
    Aloe Blacc performs "My Way," "The Man" and "Wake Me Up" at Public Counsel's 2018 William O. Douglas Award Dinner.
  • Mike Farrell -- Recipient of the 2018 William O. Douglas Award
    Known to millions as "B.J. Hunnicutt" of television's historic "M*A*S*H" and from NBC-TV's "Providence," Mike has been a human rights and social justice activist for over 45 years. He is President of the Board of Death Penalty Focus, an abolition organization, Co-Chair Emeritus of the California Committee of Human Rights Watch, and spokesperson for Concern America, an international refugee aid and development organization. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, the Advisory Committee of the Muslim Public Affairs Council's Hollywood Bureau and, occasionally, has been a Good Will Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
  • Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Accepts Public Counsel's 2017 William O. Douglas Award
  • The Campaign to Legalize Street Vending In L.A.
    Until recently street vending was illegal in Los Angeles. In fact, vendors regularly received expensive tickets and sometimes were charged with a misdemeanor – while simultaneously having their equipment and supplies confiscated. Public Counsel was honored to join with community partners and street vendors to lead a campaign to change this policy!
  • Dignity for Wounded Warriors and Their Caretakers
    Corporal James Morita courageously served his country during World War II, and during his tour he was severely wounded in a barrage of enemy fire. He was awarded a Purple Heart, but the V.A. refused to award him full disability benefits. Public Counsel fought to ensure Corporal Morita received the benefits to which he was entitled.
  • The Fight for Justice at LAX and Beyond
    The beginning of 2017 was an extremely busy time for our attorneys at Public Counsel. It was a moment when we needed to join with other members in our community to stand up for the values we believe in, and fight for justice for at the airports and beyond. #Resist
  • Celebrating Reverend James Lawson - A Civil Rights Giant
    Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. is the recipient of the 2017 William O. Douglas Award from Public Counsel. He is one of the Civil Rights Movement's leading activists, theoreticians, and tacticians who worked directly with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and went on to lead multiple historical protests.
  • Young Immigrants Like Javier Make America Great
    Javier is a legal assistant and helps immigrants who come to this country looking for a better life, just like he did. He is a beneficiary of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) an immigration policy by the Obama administration that allows undocumented people who arrived as children to legally stay in the country and work and go to school.
  • Victory at LAX Airport -- Overcoming the Refugee Ban
  • Being A Woman Is Not A Pre-Existing Condition: Gender Discrimination in Workers' Comp
    The statewide system relies on outdated stereotypes about women's capacities and roles, contributing to the feminization of poverty in California and burdening women and families.
  • Bryan Stevenson accepts Public Counsel's 2016 William O. Douglas Award
  • John Legend Performs "Redemption Song" & "All of Me" at Public Counsel's 2016 Dinner
  • John Legend's Encore Performance of "Glory" at Public Counsel's 2016 William O. Douglas Award Dinner
  • Pomona Homeless Residents Take Action To Stop City's Unlawful Practices
    The City of Pomona is seizing and destroying homeless people’s IDs, medications, legal documents, and priceless sentimental objects, in blatant violation of clearly established law.
  • Breaking the Cycle: Mentally Disabled Homeless & The L.A. Jails
  • Cruz v. California: Meaningful Learning Time for California’s Students
    Historic Class-Action Settlement Will Protect Students from Being Assigned to ''Fake Classes''
  • Trauma & Learning: A Public Health Crisis
    Public Counsel's landmark, first-of-its kind class action complaint addressing a widespread, yet often ignored, public health crisis in America: the adverse impact of childhood trauma on learning.
  • Eva Longoria salutes Public Counsel and Dolores Huerta
  • Hillary Clinton Receives William O. Douglas Award
    Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke at Public Counsel's William O. Douglas Dinner on June 19, 2014, and received the William O. Douglas Award.
  • Hillary Clinton Speaks at Public Counsel Event
    Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke at Public Counsel's William O. Douglas Dinner on June 19, 2014.
  • Fox-11 Profiles New Effort to Assist Military Caregivers
    Military caregivers are the family and friends who support wounded or disabled veterans. Former Senator Elizabeth Dole has made that her mission, and she announced a new collaboration with Public Counsel, the American Bar Association, and the Military Officers Association of America to meet the legal needs of these hidden heroes. Watch a TV interview and footage from our 2013 William O. Douglas Dinner.
  • Oprah Winfrey Celebrates Elie Wiesel at the William O. Douglas Award
    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel received Public Counsel's 2012 William O. Douglas Award on April 22 and got a special treat: videos from friends Natalie Portman, Itzhak Perlman, Secretary of State HIllary Clinton, Sidney Poitier and Oprah Winfrey. "Every moment brought surprises," Prof. Wiesel said. See more videos and photos at www.publiccounsel.org and www.youtube.com/publiccounselorg
  • Doctors Thought Martin Wouldn't Make It to His First Birthday
    Martin's mother died in childbirth, and doctors thought he wouldn't see his first birthday. That's when her best friend, Haydee, stepped in to become his caregiver and guardian. Martin recently celebrated his 12th birthday. Public Counsel and pro bono attorneys from the law firm Allen Matkins have stood shoulder to shoulder for more than 10 years to meet the family's legal needs.
  • Afghanistan Veteran Faces His Toughest Battle at Home
    Sgt. Lucas Gonzales fought in Afghanistan and lost his younger brother in combat. But his toughest battle awaited when he returned home and faced a legal problem obtaining veteran benefits. Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement is helping "take the weight off my soldiers," he says.
  • Saving a Family's Home from an Unlawful Foreclosure
    Ceith and Louise raised 8 children in their tidy home. But in 2013 they suddenly received an eviction notice after their house was unlawfully sold at foreclosure. Public Counsel filed suit to stop the eviction and overturn the foreclosure. "They stepped up to the plate and hit a home run for us, for our family," said Ceith. "We're eternally grateful for that."
  • Help for an Elderly Woman Who Lost Home in Sham Foreclosure
    86-year-old Juana and her 66-year-old daughter, Francisca, were evicted from their family home of more than 30 years after a foreclosure sale based on a sham loan. Find out what happened when Public Counsel and pro bono attorneys Dan Nabel and Rachel Wilkes Barchie of Greenberg Glusker took on the case.
  • Watch Elie Wiesel's Call for Justice: 'Don't Sleep Well When People Suffer'
    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel has inspired generations to social action. He celebrated the power of law to change people's lives when he accepted the 2012 William O. Douglas Award. "This is what we must do -- not to sleep well when people suffer anywhere in the world," Professor Wiesel said.
  • President Bill Clinton and Barbra Streisand Celebrate With Public Counsel
    Legendary Barbra Streisand introduced President Bill Clinton as he was honored at Public Counsel's William O. Douglas Dinner in March 2011. Watch excerpts from their remarks.
  • Hillary Clinton Salutes Public Counsel and Elie Wiesel
    Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked about Public Counsel's power to change people's lives and about our 2012 William O. Douglas honoree Elie Wiesel.
  • Legal, Art and Film Leaders Honor David Johnson
    Legal, art and film leaders including Attorney General Kamala Harris, Eli Broad, Audrey Irmas, Public Counsel founder Fred Nicholas, president Hernan Vera, and impact litigation director Catherine Lhamon and more honor Public Counsel board member and super supporter David Johnson.
  • Natalie Portman Salutes Public Counsel and Elie Wiesel
    Natalie Portman talked about Public Counsel's power to change people's lives and about our 2012 William O. Douglas honoree Elie Wiesel.
  • Sidney Poitier Salutes Public Counsel and Elie Wiesel
    Sidney Poitier talked about Public Counsel's power to change people's lives and about our 2012 William O. Douglas honoree Elie Wiesel.
  • Creating a City for All
    Students and residents of Chinatown and Lincoln Heights with the Southeast Asian Community Alliance embarked on a seemingly impossible campaign to preserve affordable housing and open space in these rapidly changing neighborhoods. Hear how Public Counsel attorneys helped them advocate for affordable housing and open space in order to create a cleaner and greener neighborhood, with housing opportunities for everyone.
  • Itzhak Perlman Salutes Public Counsel and Elie Wiesel
    Itzhak Perlman talked about Public Counsel's power to change people's lives and about our 2012 William O. Douglas honoree Elie Wiesel.
  • Chinatown Youth Say 'This Is Our City Too'
    The high-school youth of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance are thinking big. They are planning for the future of their neighborhood on the rapidly changing edge of downtown Los Angeles.
  • How Public Counsel Helps People Get 'Back on Course'
    Public Counsel helps families, children and communities facing injustice, intolerance, or hardship. Hear the stories of the Lozano family, Michelle Ross and the founders of The Community Action League, and Nancy Kannampuzha.
  • Aaron Fought for Our Country, Now We're Fighting for Him
    Aaron served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and his last tour ended when his Humvee flipped in a firefight. He brought the fight back home with a serious back injury, hearing loss and emotional issues. The VA denied his disability claims, but Public Counsel helped him receive additional services. "I've served the country, I've had friends die right next to me, and I've given up a part of my body," Aaron said. "I'm just asking for justice to be done."
  • Thank You, Chief Justice!
    Recently retired California Chief Justice Ronald M. George worked hard to expand access to justice throughout his 40-year career. He talked about his desire for justice as he dedicated the Chief Justice Ronald M. George Public Interest Library at Public Counsel on July 17, 2012.
  • See the Highlights from Public Counsel's First Just Fashion Event
    Watch a 3-minute highlight reel from Public Counsel's Just Fashion featuring top designers and stars at L.A. Fashion Weekend 2011 with actress Sara Ramirez.
  • Public Counsel's Power of 1+1
    Public Counsel connects people in need with attorneys and other volunteers ready to help. That's the power of 1+1, and it's helping thousands of people write a new story.
  • CBS Stars Shine for Public Counsel
    CBS stars Katie Couric, Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes," Christine Baranski and Josh Charles of "The Good Wife" and late-night host Craig Ferguson helped celebrate Public Counsel. The video was shown at the 2011 William O. Douglas dinner where CBS received Public Counsel's Corporate Achievement Award.
  • Public Counsel: We're a Force for Equality
    Public Counsel is the nation's largest pro bono law firm, working to serve the community for 40 years. 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.
  • We're Driving for Dignity to Keep Youth in Schools
    As students, families and teachers kicked off a Drive for Dignity through South Los Angeles today, Public Counsel's Judy Verduzco of Public Counsel talked about how she's helping provide students with behavior supports to stay in school -- and to reduce out-of-school suspensions and police involvement. Watch a 90-second video and learn more.
  • KTLA Spotlights Public Counsel's Run for Justice at the 2011 LA Marathon
    Public Counsel's Run for Justice at the LA Marathon supports our work for a more equal society. Nearly 500 runners from more than 30 law firms and companies participate on March 19 and March 20 as part of the 2011 LA Marathon. Some of them got up early for the KTLA Morning News -- LA's #1 morning news show -- including Tanya Russel of Katten Muchin Rosenman and Public Counsel board member Rick Rothman of Bingham McCutchen. Watch them in action.
  • Tammy Duckworth's speech accepting the 2010 William O. Douglas Award
  • Reaffirmation Hearing Educational Video -- English
    This video presentation will give you information about the reaffirmation hearing process and provide you with information about resources in the Central District of California.
  • Audiencia de Reafirmacion Video Educativo -- en Espanol
    Esta presentacion en video le dara informacion sobre el proceso de la audiencia de reafirmacion y le dara informacion sobre recursos en el Distrito Central de California.
  • Overview of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Alternatives to Bankruptcy
    Learn about the bankruptcy process, the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and alternatives to bankruptcy.
  • Resumen de Bancarrota del Capitulo 7 y Alternativas a la Bancarrota
    Conozca el proceso de la bancarrota, las diferencias entre bancarrota del Capitulo 7 y Capitulo 13, y las alternativas a la bancarrota.
  • How to Prepare a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition
    In this series of step-by-step videos, you will learn how to fill out your own Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms. These videos are specific to the Central District of California.
  • Bankruptcy Basics
    These videos from the U.S. Courts give an overview of the bankruptcy process. Topics covered include types of bankruptcy, limits of bankruptcy, filing for bankruptcy, the creditors' meeting, bankruptcy crime, court hearings, the discharge, and legal assistance.
  • Credit Card Debt Assistance
    This video is from a live forum on credit card debt assistance, filmed on July 24, 2009, in Sacramento, California.
  • Helping Victims of Identity Theft
    This video explains how identity theft (ID theft) can affect you, and how to use Taking Charge and the Guide for Assisting Identity Theft Victims to resolve problems.
  • Eva Longoria Salutes 2015 Douglas Award Winner Dolores Huerta
  • Pomona Homeless Residents Take Action To Stop City's Illegal Practices
    The City of Pomona is seizing and destroying homeless people’s IDs, medications, legal documents, and priceless sentimental objects, in blatant violation of clearly established law
  • Happy Holidays from Public Counsel
  • Testing
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