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 on pro bono attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals to partner with us in supporting clients, taking on high-impact cases, and strengthening 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

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 on pro bono attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals to partner with us in supporting clients, taking on high-impact cases, and strengthening 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

Bankruptcy

Guide

01/31/25

How to Write an Adversary Proceeding Complaint Self-Help Guide

Download as PDF

An adversary proceeding is a lawsuit that relates to a bankruptcy case. There are a number of reasons to file an adversary proceeding. A creditor might file an adversary proceeding to determine that a debt included in a debtor’s bankruptcy cannot be discharged. On the other hand, a debtor might file one to attempt to get their student loans discharged.

The first step to filing an adversary proceeding is drafting your complaint. This guide will provide general information on how to write your complaint, including form and style requirements unique to the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy and Civil Procedure.

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What courses must I take to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

All individuals who file a chapter 7 bankruptcy must take two courses to receive a discharge of their debts: Credit Counseling and Personal Financial Management. This guide will help you...

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Pleading Paper Caption Page

If there isn’t a court form for what you need to file in your bankruptcy case, you will need to write your own court papers on pleading paper. The first...

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Bankruptcy

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Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Right for Me? Handout

This handout is intended as a general overview of alternatives to Chapter 7 bankruptcy and some considerations before filing.

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