About Us

How We Work

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Direct Services

Public Counsel provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families, and our communities as they pursue justice.

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Policy Advocacy

Public Counsel addresses the root causes of inequities in our society by advocating for inclusive policy solutions in collaboration with grassroots coalitions and the communities most impacted by systemic oppression.

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Impact Litigation

Public Counsel files strategic impact litigation so entire communities get the justice they deserve. By setting legal precedents and challenging unjust laws, our cases spark large-scale change in our society.

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Pro Bono Partnerships

Since its inception, Public Counsel has relied upon pro bono attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals to partner with us to support clients, take on high-impact cases, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

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Social Work Integration

Public Counsel values an interdisciplinary approach to law and social work that strengthens trauma-informed legal advocacy and advances effective outcomes across its work. 

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Resource Library

Popular Resources

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Toolkit

04/03/26

Newcomer Student Education Rights

This toolkit is designed to inform advocates (attorneys and non-attorneys) about the education-related rights of newcomer and undocumented immigrant children, how to assert those rights, and what to do if...

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Guide

02/17/26

What is the Meeting of Creditors?

Once you file your bankruptcy, a Bankruptcy Trustee will be assigned to your case and a Meeting of Creditors will be scheduled. This guide will provide general information to help...

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FAQsGuide

02/10/26

Know Your Rights as a Child Care Business

This Know Your Rights guide explains California child care providers’ legal authority to control access to their facilities, including who may enter, when recording is prohibited, and how to respond...

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How We Work

See All

Direct Services

Public Counsel provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families, and our communities as they pursue justice.

Learn More

Policy Advocacy

Public Counsel addresses the root causes of inequities in our society by advocating for inclusive policy solutions in collaboration with grassroots coalitions and the communities most impacted by systemic oppression.

Learn More

Impact Litigation

Public Counsel files strategic impact litigation so entire communities get the justice they deserve. By setting legal precedents and challenging unjust laws, our cases spark large-scale change in our society.

Learn More

Pro Bono Partnerships

Since its inception, Public Counsel has relied upon pro bono attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals to partner with us to support clients, take on high-impact cases, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

Learn More

Social Work Integration

Public Counsel values an interdisciplinary approach to law and social work that strengthens trauma-informed legal advocacy and advances effective outcomes across its work. 

Learn More

Popular Resources

See All

Toolkit

04/03/26

Newcomer Student Education Rights

This toolkit is designed to inform advocates (attorneys and non-attorneys) about the education-related rights of newcomer and undocumented immigrant children, how to assert those rights, and what to do if...

Learn More

Guide

02/17/26

What is the Meeting of Creditors?

Once you file your bankruptcy, a Bankruptcy Trustee will be assigned to your case and a Meeting of Creditors will be scheduled. This guide will provide general information to help...

Learn More

FAQsGuide

02/10/26

Know Your Rights as a Child Care Business

This Know Your Rights guide explains California child care providers’ legal authority to control access to their facilities, including who may enter, when recording is prohibited, and how to respond...

Learn More

Resources

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Immigrants’ RightsSmall Businesses

Legislative Alert

12/18/25

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: SB 635 – The Street Vendor Business Protection Act

California Senate Bill 635 (“SB 635”) makes important changes to state law to provide protections for sidewalk vendors. The law prevents local jurisdictions, including any nonpublic entity contracted by the

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

¿Necesito Presentar Una Reclamacion De Exencion?

He recibido un embargo de mi salario o un aviso de embargo bancario ¿que hago? Si se ha emitido un juicio o una demanda contra usted, es posible que reciba

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Do I Need a Claim of Exemption?

I’ve received a wage garnishment or bank levy notice, now what? If a judgment in a lawsuit against you has been issued, you may receive a notice and paperwork from

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Guía Para Responder a Quejas No Verificadas En Demandas Legales De Cobro De Deudas

Una demanda legal de cobro de deudas es una demanda legal donde alguien (el demandante) lo está demandando (el demandado) por no pagar una deuda. La demanda legal empieza con

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Responding to an Unverified Debt Collection Lawsuit—Self Help Guide

A debt collection lawsuit is a lawsuit where someone (the plaintiff) is suing you (the defendant) for not paying a debt. The lawsuit starts with the filing of a complaint

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Consumer RightsEconomic Justice

Guide

10/29/25

Robo de Identidad: Qué hacer si alguien está usando su número de Seguro Social

Descubrir que alguien ha usado su número de Seguro Social (SSN) puede ser angustiante y abrumador. No estás solo. Este folleto explica los pasos clave que puede seguir, dependiendo de

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Consumer RightsDisaster ResourcesEconomic JusticeWildfire Resources

Guide

10/29/25

Identity Theft: What To Do If Someone Is Using Your Social Security Number

Finding out someone has used your Social Security number (SSN) can be upsetting and overwhelming. You are not alone. This handout explains the key steps you can take, depending on

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Consumer RightsHomeownersHousing Justice

Guide

09/26/25

Guía sobre cómo presentar y notificar una respuesta a una demanda no verificada

¿Cómo presento y notifico una respuesta a una demanda? AVISO: Este paquete de instrucciones no es orientación legal. No debe usar este paquete “tal como está”. En su lugar, debe

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Consumer RightsHomeownersHousing Justice

Guide

09/26/25

How to File and Serve a Response to a Complaint—Self Help Reference Guide

How to file and serve a response to an unverified complaint. NOTE: This instructional packet is not legal advice. You should not use this packet “as-is.” Instead, you should modify

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Bankruptcy

Guide

09/26/25

Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Right for Me? Handout

This handout is intended as a general overview of alternatives to Chapter 7 bankruptcy and some considerations before filing.

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