Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Have you heard? LAFLA is suing the Department of Education for wrongfully denying loan forgiveness to students defrauded by for-profit colleges. Newsweek covers the story of LAFLA client Evelyn, who has struggled for years to get by while paying off student loans her school fraudulently collected on her behalf. Despite being eligible for relief through the Department of Education, her application was repeatedly denied without considering the evidence. For over 30 years, LAFLA has led nationwide efforts to fight predatory higher education practices and dismantle the unjust student debt system that disproportionately impacts our low-income clients. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gMyS6KXz

📣 We're suing the Department of Education—again. Many Americans who drop out of high school later decide to pursue higher education or professional programs. Unfortunately, these students are often targeted by predatory for-profit colleges that illegally obtain federal funds in their names–leaving them to pick up the pieces. Federal law says that borrowers victimized by these schemes are eligible for loan forgiveness. But our complaint alleges that the Department of Education denies these applications as a matter of course—without due process of law, and without even considering the evidence provided by the borrowers. That's what happened to our client, Evelyn Lara. A single parent of four, she has never had steady work and has struggled to repay the loans her school fraudulently collected on her behalf. She learned she was eligible for relief when she visited LAFLA—but when she applied, the Department refused to consider the evidence she provided. That needs to change. In addition to relief for Ms. Lara, we're seeking a court order compelling the Department to cease their illegal methods for evaluating discharge applications from other defrauded borrowers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gXiQXySz.

📢Pro Bono opportunities! LAFLA is #hiring for Pro Bono manager and attorney positions! Join us in the fight for a more equitable justice system! View these and other openings at https://lnkd.in/dsCz9QT!

Congratulations to LAFLA Special Counsel on Immigration Michael Ortiz on being selected to receive the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC)'s Award of Merit in the category of Legal Services Attorney! 🎉 This award recognizes a demonstrated commitment to the delivery of legal services through community-based work, litigation, and advocacy. According to the selection committee, 2024 was an especially competitive year—but they were "blown away" by Michael's contributions to justice. Michael will be honored at LAAC's upcoming Pathways to Justice Conference on Wednesday, October 30.

On #LarryItliongDay, we honor the life and legacy of Filipino-American labor organizer and civil rights activist Larry Itliong. As a farmworker, Larry organized multiple agricultural and labor unions. He rose to national prominence after leading several successful strikes and helping found the United Farm Workers union—working alongside fellow labor activists Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to unite California's diverse farmworkers in the struggle for workers' rights. Larry's achievements as a civil rights leader earned him the title of one of the "fathers of the West Coast labor movement." LAFLA honors Larry's courage and legacy of strength in the fight for justice today and every day. #FilipinoAmericanHeritageMonth #LarryItliong

Happy #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth from Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles! Did you know that LAFLA leads the Filipino Workers Rights Project to support overseas workers from the Philippines? This pioneering project provides comprehensive services and education on issues such as wage theft, public benefits claims, and immigration relief. Visit our clinics with Search to Involve Pilipino Americans and the Cambodian Association of America in Long Beach. Check out some photos from local events we've joined! In celebration of #FAHM, our API Community Outreach team joined the Filipino Migrant Center, the City of Long Beach, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, and the Language Justice Coalition for events celebrating Filipino American communities in Greater LA.

Congratulations to John Atallah, member and past chair of LAFLA's Associates Advisory Board, for being named a Los Angeles Times #DEIA Visionary! Our advisory board offers opportunities for leadership development, networking, and pro bono experience supporting access to justice for all. If you've ever wondered how you can make a difference as an up-and-coming lawyer, it's a great time to get involved! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNu6RnbR.

We're thankful to our pro bono partners at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP—this #ProBonoWeek and always!

We’re #hiring in Los Angeles, California. Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice and addressing systemic inequities across the LA area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you! Apply today or share this post with your network. More openings are available at https://lnkd.in/gq_a2Pcf.

We’re #hiring in Los Angeles, California. Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice and addressing systemic inequities across the LA area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you! Apply today or share this post with your network. More openings are available at https://lnkd.in/gq_a2Pcf.