In recognition of this, PLI is offering two free pro bono one-hour briefings next week:

October 23, 2012, 1:00 – 2:00 pm (E.D.T.) – Making the Most of California’s New Homeowner Bill of Rights (FREE Audio-only)

On July 11, 2012, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law key provisions of Attorney General Kamala Harris’ Homeowner Bill of Rights.  This landmark legislation is designed to protect California homeowners from losing their homes to foreclosure if an alternative resolution is possible.  The new law includes restrictions on dual-tracking (initiating foreclosure against a borrower who has a loan modification application under review), requirements for improved communications by mortgage servicers and, importantly, a private right of action to enforce compliance.  The law goes into effect on January 1, 2013, and advocates for homeowners will need to get up to speed on it by then in order to represent their clients effectively both in and out of court. This One-Hour Briefing will guide you through the relevant provisions of the legislation and also point out some of the law’s limitations so you can effectively advise and represent your clients.

Maeve Elise Brown and Lisa Sitkin, foreclosure prevention attorneys at Housing and Economic Rights Advocates who have been closely involved in advocating for this legislation for the past three years, will discuss the important provisions of the Homeowner Bill of Rights and offer tips on how to make sure your clients get the full benefit of the law’s protections.

To register, click here.

October 24, 2o12, 1:00 – 2:00 PM (E.D.T) – Representing Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings: Learn How to Help (Free Audio-only)
The number of unaccompanied children placed in U.S. custody in Fiscal Year 2012 has reached an historic high: over 14,000 children, more than double the number last year.  Many of these children, who range from toddlers to teenagers, are fleeing abuse, abandonment, and persecution in their home countries, or are victims of human trafficking or other crimes.  They are placed in immigration removal proceedings and are not provided an attorney, regardless of their age.  Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a national nonprofit organization working hard to match these children with caring pro bono attorneys who will ensure that they do not face an immigration judge alone.

Please join Laurie Carafone, Pro Bono Coordinator at the Boston office of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and Douglas C. Doskocil, a partner at Goodwin Procter LLP and KIND pro bono attorney, for a free One-Hour briefing on Representing Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings, and learn how you, too, can help.

To register, click here.