The Public Law Center is a pro-bono law firm that provides access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County

Who We Are

Founded in 1981, The Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low income residents and other nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, Public Law Center staff and volunteers provided over 65,000 hours of free legal services in handling over 4,500 cases benefiting low-income children, adults and seniors. The estimated value of this work is roughly $60 million in just the past three years. Our services include counseling, individual representation, community education and strategic policy advocacy and impact litigation to challenge societal injustices.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers can change somebody’s life. Last year, volunteers gave over 34,000 pro bono hours to assist our clients. Our volunteers include partners and associates at major law firms, in-house corporate counsel, solo and small firm practitioners, young lawyers, paralegals, law students, college students and an array of individuals concerned about ensuring access to justice. Our staff is committed to providing training, mentorship, samples, technical assistance, and Spanish and Vietnamese translation and interpretation to support our pro bono volunteers.

Who We Serve

We serve a wide range of clients, including immigrants, minorities, veterans, seniors, children, and low-income residents of Orange County. The issues range from domestic violence, human trafficking, guardianship, housing, health, bankruptcy, asylum, family law, consumer fraud, immigration, discrimination, and advocacy. Our services range from training seminars to individual legal advice to full representation. We also provide extensive legal support to Orange County nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations so they can better meet their legal obligations, protect themselves from unnecessary litigation, and focus on delivering critical services to Orange County residents.

Press

PLC News

Volunteers For Justice 2024 Honorees

We are excited to introduce the 2023 Honorees that PLC will be recognizing at our upcoming Volunteers For Justice Event! Please join us on Thursday, June 15 from 5:30-8:30 pm at The Promenade and... Read More

Volunteers For Justice 2023 Honorees

We are excited to introduce the 2023 Honorees that PLC will be recognizing at our upcoming Volunteers For Justice Event! Please join us on Thursday, June 15 from 5:30-8:30 pm at The Promenade and... Read More

Donate Now

Donate Now

The Public Law Center relies on your tax-deductible donation to continue to carry out our mission of providing access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County.

A Model of Leadership

Charity Navigator Three-Star

Public Law Center is a model organization – view our service record and 3 star rating on Charity Navigator.

On GuideStar

Guidestar Gold 2021

Public Law Center is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant. Learn what it means to be a Gold Participant.