All posts in Pro Bono

Volunteers Needed for Reaffs Tomorrow in Woodland Hills

Email from Maggie Bordeaux:

Hi everyone,

We still need volunteers for the reaffirmation hearings scheduled for tomorrow morning, 11/15 at: Read more…

Big Win in the Ninth Circuit for Public Law Center

Hello All,

I wanted to share with you that just yesterday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel and held that a debt owed by a parent to the Orange County Probation Department as the result of the involuntary incarceration of the parent’s minor child is not in the nature of support, and therefore is a dischargeable debt.

The BAP had previously held that the debt was “in the nature of support” and therefore was a Domestic Support Obligation that was nondischargeable under 101(14A) and 523(a)(5). The Ninth Circuit reversed, saying, amont other things, that BAPCPA changed who could be creditors, not what type of debts were covered by 523(a)(5), and this debt does not fit within the state’s family support infrastructure. This is an incredible win for our client, but also a win for other debtors in Orange County who were being pursued by Probation for similar debts.

Read more…

Self-Help Desk in Woodland Hills Needs a Few Attorney Volunteers

Email from Barbara Sanchez:

Good morning!  We need volunteers for the BK Self Help seminar the mornings of August 4th and 18th or the afternoon of August 11th.  We also need help with the Q&A on the afternoons of August 4th and 25th.  Please let me know when and if you are available.
Thank you,
Barbara Read more…

Earle Hagen Memorial Golf, Tennis and Poker Tournament at Porter Valley Country Club on Monday, September 19, 2016

Hi everyone!

Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project (“DAP”) is having our annual Earle Hagen Memorial Golf, Tennis & Poker Tournament at Porter Valley Country Club on Monday, September 19, 2016.

We would greatly appreciate everyone’s help in making this year’s Tournament a great success! Your support makes it possible for Public Counsel to assist thousands of individuals and families. Below is a Public Counsel video that I hope you will enjoy. It helps me remember that together we can bring justice, opportunity, and hope to the most vulnerable members in our community.

Read more…

Public Counsel legal action on behalf of Corinthian students re: private student loan debt

On July 14, 2016, Public Counsel and partners filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of former Corinthian students to stop the unlawful, abusive tactics of private debt buyers and debt collectors.

Watch the compelling video and read the press release here.

Check out the press webcast on Public Counsel’s Facebook page, and the media coverage so far is below: Read more…

Eighth Annual Earle Hagen Golf Tournament September 19, 2016

Email from Jeff Hagen (By the way, if I can get out there, you can)

To Everyone:

I’ll bet you hoped that I lost your e-mail address, huh?

The EIGHTH Annual Earle Hagen Memorial Golf, Tennis And Poker Tournament is coming on Monday September 19, 2016…at the Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge.  It’s less than FOUR months away!

Is it too early to sign up?  Absolutely NOT!  We’re accepting registration now!  A registration brochure will be attached to our next blast.  Why wait?  Sign up now!  Don’t put it off.  Nothing better is going to come along, especially on a Monday!

Please check out the following link:  https://ehmgt.eventbrite.com Read more…

Program by Public Counsel “Crafting a Chapter 13 Plan”

Hi everyone,

Public Counsel’s DAP will be having a Chapter 13 bankruptcy program titled “Crafting a Chapter 13 plan” on Wed. July 27 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. I have also attached a flyer for the event.

The program will be taking place from 10:00-2:00 and will include lunch. To register for the event please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/c13plan Read more…

Self Help Desk in Woodland Hills

I spent this morning at the Self Help Desk at the bankruptcy court in Woodland Hills.  Business was a little slow.  The desk is run by Neighborhood Legal Services and staffed by Martha Castillo, a very friendly and knowledgeable bilingual paralegal.  I believe it is open on Thursdays only.  They have the forms and the knowledge to help unrepresented debtors try to get through the process.

There is also a self-help desk downtown run by Public Counsel and Maggie Brodeaux I believe.

RDM’s Roundup

The Earle Hagen Memorial Golf, Tennis and Poker Tournament committee is thrilled to announce that the proceeds of the 7th annual tournament of $28,987.11 were donated to Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project this year.  The tourney has now generated over $200,000 for Public Counsel in its seven year history.

As most if not all of you know by now, the bankruptcy community lost Jim King in February.  The tourney was his baby and we are proud to have honored his leadership in organizing the event for so many years, and his extraordinary pro bono contributions throughout his legal career. Read more…

Thursday, November 12, 2015 – Understanding Chapter 13

To all attorneys:

You are invited to Understanding Chapter 13, an MCLE program that will introduce you to the fundamentals of Chapter 13 bankruptcy law. It is approved for four (4) hours of MCLE credit

The program is presented by Public Counsel, and is cosponsored by cdcbaa and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.

Lunch will be provided. See attached flyer for additional program details. Read more…