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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05/12/26

Do I Need to File a Response to a Complaint?

 I’ve received notice of a lawsuit against me, now what?

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Guide

04/27/26

Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement in Public Spaces

We all have constitutional rights and state law protections in California, regardless of immigration status. This guide outlines those rights and protections and steps you can take to prepare in...

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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...

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

05/12/26

Do I Need to File a Response to a Complaint?

 I’ve received notice of a lawsuit against me, now what?

Learn More

Guide

04/27/26

Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement in Public Spaces

We all have constitutional rights and state law protections in California, regardless of immigration status. This guide outlines those rights and protections and steps you can take to prepare in...

Learn More

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

Navigating the New Administration: Resources for Nonprofits

As the new administration implements policies affecting DEI initiatives, immigration enforcement, and other critical issues, nonprofits need clear guidance to navigate these changes. This web page serves as a central hub for Public Counsel’s tools and resources to help organizations stay informed and effectively respond in these uncertain times.

We will continue to update this page as additional resources are developed and new services become available.

DEI Executive Orders

FAQs on Responding to Recent DEI Executive Orders

The Trump Administration has issued a handful of executive orders aiming to curtail Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and programs. These orders have implications for private sector organizations that engage in DEI initiatives whether or not they receive federal funding. As a nonprofit, it is important to understand how these orders may apply to your organization. This publication is intended for California nonprofits and provides answers to common questions about the DEI Executive Orders.

Updated: August 14, 2025

Immigration Orders & Actions

FAQs on Nonprofit and Small Business Rights with Respect to Immigration Enforcement (ICE)

As a nonprofit or small business owner, it is critical to know your rights and responsibilities if immigration enforcement officials appear at your facility, office, or workplace. These FAQs address common questions that arise.

Added on: January 23, 2025