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

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

Resources

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Consumer RightsDebt

FAQsGuide

01/13/26

Medical and Dental Credit Cards—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do you need medical or dental care but can’t afford it? Are you thinking about making payments or signing up for credit? Be careful! Medical or dental credit cards can

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Bankruptcy

Guide

01/08/26

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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BankruptcyDebt

Template

01/08/26

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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Consumer RightsDisaster ResourcesHousing JusticeWildfire Resources

Guide

01/05/26

Wildfire Home Improvement Financing – Top Tips and Fact Sheet

What To Know About Home Improvement Financing

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Consumer RightsDisaster ResourcesHousing JusticeSmall BusinessesWildfire Resources

FAQ

01/05/26

Rent Problems? Where to Go for Help

Nonprofit legal services organizations (‘legal aid’) offer free help to those who are eligible for services, depending on the specifics of their case and the organization’s capacity.

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Immigrants’ RightsSmall Businesses

Legislative Alert

12/18/25

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: SB 635 – The Street Vendor Business Protection Act

California Senate Bill 635 (“SB 635”) makes important changes to state law to provide protections for sidewalk vendors. The law prevents local jurisdictions, including any nonpublic entity contracted by the

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

¿Necesito Presentar Una Reclamacion De Exencion?

He recibido un embargo de mi salario o un aviso de embargo bancario ¿que hago? Si se ha emitido un juicio o una demanda contra usted, es posible que reciba

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Do I Need a Claim of Exemption?

I’ve received a wage garnishment or bank levy notice, now what? If a judgment in a lawsuit against you has been issued, you may receive a notice and paperwork from

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Guía Para Responder a Quejas No Verificadas En Demandas Legales De Cobro De Deudas

Una demanda legal de cobro de deudas es una demanda legal donde alguien (el demandante) lo está demandando (el demandado) por no pagar una deuda. La demanda legal empieza con

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Consumer RightsDebt

Guide

12/02/25

Responding to an Unverified Debt Collection Lawsuit—Self Help Guide

A debt collection lawsuit is a lawsuit where someone (the plaintiff) is suing you (the defendant) for not paying a debt. The lawsuit starts with the filing of a complaint

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