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...

Learn More

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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Veterans’ Rights

Toolkit

09/22/25

Veterans’ Caregiver Program Appeal Toolkit

This toolkit is meant to serve as a guide for veterans and caregivers seeking to appeal their Caregiver Program benefit determinations. It contains: (1) a general overview of right to

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Child WelfareImmigrants’ RightsParental Rights

Guide

09/07/25

Creando un plan familiar: manual para padres inmigrantes

¿Quién cuidará de mi hijo si no puedo? Los padres se hacen esta pregunta cuando hay incertidumbre en sus vidas. Ya sea que esté relacionado con las finanzas, la salud

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Consumer RightsDisaster ResourcesHomeownersHousing JusticeWildfire Resources

FAQs

09/05/25

FAQ—Homeowners with Mortgages Affected by the 2025 LA Wildfires

This FAQ document provides guidance for homeowners affected by the 2025 LA wildfires on mortgage relief, forbearance, loss mitigation, and property tax reassessment. It also includes resources for replacing lost

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Consumer RightsDisaster ResourcesHomeownersHousing JusticeWildfire Resources

Guide

09/05/25

Advice for Homeowners with Mortgages Affected by the 2025 LA Wildfires

This document provides guidance for homeowners affected by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, covering topics such as mortgages, insurance claims, property tax relief, FEMA assistance, and how to avoid scams.

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Parental RightsTransition Age Youth (TAY)

Guide

08/01/25

Legal Issues for Young Families

This guide from Public Counsel provides essential legal information for young families navigating key issues such as naming and registering your baby, obtaining birth certificates and Social Security numbers, establishing

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EmploymentNonprofitsSmall Businesses

Guide

07/28/25

Background Checks in the Hiring Process: A Guide for California Nonprofits and Small Businesses

This guide discusses legal issues that might arise when performing background checks for new hires. Topics include negligent hiring, avoiding discrimination, state and local fair chance laws, background checks required

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Education

SpanishToolkit

06/08/25

Arregla Disciplina Escolar—Mini Kit de Herramientas

La Mini Kit de Herramientas, Arregla Disciplina Escolar es una colección de recursos para estudiantes, padres, la comunidad, abogadores, educadores y quien sea que esté interesado en aprender como eliminar

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Education

GuideToolkit

06/08/25

Fix School Discipline—Mini-Toolkit

The Fix School Discipline Mini-Toolkit is a collection of resources for students, parents, community, advocates, educators and anyone interested in learning how to eliminate harsh discipline practices that push students out

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Education

GuideToolkit

06/08/25

Fix School Discipline—Educator Toolkit

Fix School Discipline – a project of Public Counsel – is a comprehensive resource for school superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, students, community leaders, organizations, advocates, and anyone interested in learning how

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Education

GuideToolkit

06/08/25

Fix School Discipline—Community Toolkit

Fix School Discipline – a project of Public Counsel – is a comprehensive resource for students, parents, community leaders, organizations, advocates, school superintendents, principals, teachers, and anyone interested in learning

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