All posts in Pro Bono

Update on Self-Help Desk in Woodland Hills

By | August 7, 2020 | Pro Bono | No comments

Email from Barbara Sanchez:

Good morning, wonderful volunteers,

I hope that you and your loved ones are happy, safe, and well.

Self-Help services are still being offered remotely. There is no date set for reopening in Woodland Hills, but we are not likely to open before mid-September. We have been able to help debtors file for Chapter 7 online, through electronic Self-Representation (eSR), sharing screens in MS Teams. It’s time-consuming, but it works well, and debtors appreciate the support.

Neighborhood Legal Services has hired a wonderful new employee, Daniel Calzadillas-Rodriguez. Daniel has been helping with calls to Spanish-speaking debtors, as well as translating bankruptcy materials. He is warm and supportive with debtors, yet professional, and has excellent computer and administrative skills. I look forward to introducing him to you when we reopen. Read more…

2019 Lazarow Awards – November 14, 2019

By | October 16, 2019 | Pro Bono, Programs | No comments

Email from Barbara Sanchez

Hi Jon,

I hope you and yours are doing well.

The Debtor Assistance Project is hosting the Lasarow Awards Reception at the Roybal Building on Thursday, November 14, from 6-8 p.m. Each of the Central District’s Self-Help Centers will honor an outstanding volunteer. I hope you will join me for this free event with Central District Judges and court staff, representatives from the Self-Help Clinics, attorneys, volunteers, and supporters.

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County is proud to present the 2019 Lasarow Award to longtime volunteer Patricia Said, in recognition of her exceptional pro bono service. In addition, Public Counsel will be honoring Judge Zurzolo for his work over the past 20 years in advocating to make the courts more accessible to their clients.

Please see below for information about the 2019 Lasarow Awards Reception, and a link you can use to register.  I would appreciate your responding to me, as well.

With your help, the San Fernando Valley Self-Help Desk has assisted more than 10,000 visitors. Together, we are changing lives. Thanks so much for your support!

Best regards,

Barbara

 

You can register at: surveymonkey.com/r/lasarow

Public Counsel Annual Report for 2018

By | June 20, 2019 | Community, Current Events, Pro Bono | No comments

You can find the annual report for this great organization here.  You can’t help but notice my picture on page 5.

Henry Sommer Comments at the Calvin Ashland Award Dinner

By | January 24, 2019 | Community, Current Events, Pro Bono, Programs | No comments

Henry’s comments at the cdcbaa Calvin Ashland dinner were stirring and meaningful.  I recorded his comments which he looked at and approved.

Comments by Henry Sommer

 upon receiving CDCBAA Attorney of the Year Award

 Recorded by M. Jonathan Hayes

November 15, 2018

Ken Klee:  [00:00:31]  And for the record, let me read the plaque.  “CDCBAA, Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association, Henry J. Sommer, Attorney of the Year 2018, Calvin K. Ashland Award, an annual award presented to those individuals who exemplify in the course of their profession, compassion, understanding, and concern for the individual consumer.” Each recipient has upheld these values that were found in the heart and in the courtroom of the Honorable Calvin K. Ashland.  This award alternates between judges, trustees, and attorneys, each of equal importance in our bankruptcy system of justice.

Henry Sommer:  [00:01:13]  Thank you.  (applause)  Thank you, Ken, for that very generous introduction.  And thank you to the CDCBAA for honoring me with this award.  I can see from the distinguished past recipients, of which Ken was the first, what an honor it is. Read more…

Bankruptcy Litigation Clinic – Woodland Hills

By | November 28, 2018 | Community, Pro Bono | No comments

 Announcement

A bankruptcy litigation clinic will be held at the San Fernando Valley division on Friday, December 14, 2018 and on Friday, January 11, 2019.  The two hour programs will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Designed for people who have already filed a bankruptcy petition to address the following issues:

  • After filing for bankruptcy, have you been served with a lawsuit?
  • Are you trying to collect, but the debtor filed bankruptcy?
  • Were you served with a Motion, such as Relief From Stay?
  • Are your creditors ignoring your discharge?
  • Do you have overwhelming medical debt?
Reservations are not required, however, the program may be limited to the first 6-8 people attending.
Sponsored by:
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and the University of West Los Angeles – School of Law, 9201 Oakdale Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Annual Holiday Party Hosted by the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum — December 3, 2018

By | November 16, 2018 | Pro Bono | No comments

Annual Holiday Party Hosted by the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum — December 3, 2018 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. — Angel City Brewery | 216 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Cost: Members of Sponsoring Group: $100 (cdcbaa!) | Non-Members: $135 | Government Employees/Students: $45 | At door: Add’l $10

Register here. 

Don’t miss LABF’s holiday party at the Angel City Brewery in the Los Angeles Arts District. Support a worthy cause and join us for outstanding craft beers and food trucks for a great evening with colleagues and bankruptcy judges.  A portion of the net proceeds generated by the Holiday Party will be used to support the “Self-Help Desks” which are operating at the various divisions of the Bankruptcy Court. The Co-Sponsors are proud to support the very valuable and important contributions the Self-Help Desks make to the operation of our Bankruptcy Court.

The following organizations are proud to
co-sponsor this year’s Holiday Party:
Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum
Beverly Hills Bar Association – Bankruptcy Section
Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association
Financial Lawyers Conference
International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
Turnaround Management Association SoCal

Flyer attached. 

Public Counsel William J. Lasarow Awards October 25, 2018

By | September 21, 2018 | Pro Bono, Programs | No comments

2018 William J. Lasarow
Awards Reception

Recognizing Outstanding
Bankruptcy Pro Bono Service

Thursday, October 25, 2018
6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Read more…

Self-Help Desk Reopening in Roybal Building Downtown

By | August 21, 2018 | Community, Pro Bono | No comments

Email from Maggie:  Sign Up Here.  

Self-Help Desk Volunteers Needed
We moved to the Roybal Building!
The Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk is reopening next Monday, Aug. 27, and we need your help.
We are expecting many more visitors because our new location is inside the Bankruptcy Court intake area (next to the cafeteria).
Please consider signing up for at least one Self-Help Desk session in the next month.

2018 Honor Roll Reception July 21, 2018

By | July 10, 2018 | Pro Bono, Programs | No comments

Email this morning from Barbara Sanchez, Neighborhood Legal Services

Good morning!

In recognition of your support of pro se litigants, the United States Bankruptcy Court invites you to the 2018 Honor Roll reception.

This year’s reception is sponsored by the CDCBAA, and will be held immediately prior to the Fifth Annual James T. King Bankruptcy Symposium.  Please see the attached invitation for further details. Pro Bono Invitation-2018   To attend, please RSVP to Jennifer_Kohout@cacb.uscourts.gov by July 17, 2018.

Your willingness to volunteer your time and expertise provides a tremendous resource for Self-Help visitors, giving them direction, comfort, and relief in a difficult time. Please allow us to express our appreciation prior to the James T. King event.

With sincere thanks for all you do,

Barbara

Sixth Annual LCL 5K Benefiting Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project!

By | February 8, 2017 | Current Events, Pro Bono | No comments

Registration is now open for the Sixth Annual LCL 5K Benefiting Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project (“DAP”)!

For over 17 years, Public Counsel’s DAP has helped thousands of individuals and families struggling under crushing debt loads navigate the bankruptcy system. The DAP provides greatly needed pro bono legal services to close to 3,000 individuals and families every year.

This premier event is happening on Saturday, April 22 at 8 am at beautiful Dockweiler Beach in Playa Del Rey!   The 5k is an all flat, 100% ocean front, chip-timed course that will be enjoyable for everyone from elite runners to casual walkers (strollers welcome).  Free race photo downloads will be available for all participants.  Easy parking in the beach lot at the race start or free parking on Vista del Mar.  We are limited to 400 participants so please register soon, before the race fills up! Read more…

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