O’Melveny Joins LA Initiative Offering Free Legal Services During COVID-19 Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES—May 8, 2020—O’Melveny has joined “LA Represents,” a first-of-its-kind pro bono initiative designed to provide free legal services to LA residents facing hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a member of LA Represents, O’Melveny is among a coalition of law firms expanding their pro bono programs to offer COVID-19-related legal services, including advice on housing, domestic violence, and employment matters, as well as small business assistance on a variety of issues.

“O’Melveny is proud to join the City of Los Angeles in this important initiative,” said O’Melveny pro bono partner Brett Williamson. “Commitment to our community is a core element of our firm’s DNA, and our history is intertwined with that of the city. As LA grew from a small pueblo to a global business hub, we grew from a two-lawyer office to an international legal powerhouse. We feel compelled to do everything in our power to help our neighbors and our city meet the challenges of this pandemic.”

David Lash, O’Melveny managing counsel for pro bono and public interest services, praised Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Attorney Michael Feuer for “heightening awareness of the need for legal assistance as a result of this pandemic.” Lash added: “The legal aid system is soon to be overwhelmed with so many people in so much need. The law firm pro bono community, along with our elected leaders, can provide an invaluable service by stepping up and helping out as much as possible.”

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The following press release was issued by the City of Los Angeles:

Mayor Garcetti, City Attorney Feuer Launch “LA Represents” Pro Bono Legal Initiative

Alliance of law firms, legal aid organizations, and bar associations will provide free legal counsel and representation to residents and businesses in need during COVID-19 crisis

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced the launch of L.A. Represents, a pro bono initiative unprecedented in scope and scale, to provide free legal services to L.A. residents facing hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coalition of law firms, bar associations, and legal aid organizations has agreed to enhance their existing pro bono commitments to provide COVID-19-related legal services — including helping vulnerable tenants, domestic violence victims, and low-income Angelenos with employment, consumer debt, and bankruptcy matters.

Additionally, L.A. Represents will build a new support system for small businesses devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, overseen by volunteers and advocates at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. Now, small businesses least likely to have access to effective legal services can receive pro bono assistance as they confront new workplace regulations, renegotiate commercial leases, apply for government relief programs, and navigate compliance with emergency health and safety orders.

“The COVID-19 crisis is putting people in some of the most painful, difficult, and complex situations they have ever experienced — and legal assistance can mean the difference between ruin and recovery,” said Mayor Garcetti. “L.A. Represents will get urgent help to Angelenos who may not be able to afford the advocacy they need at a critical time in their lives.”

The Mayor and City Attorney have assembled a coalition of partners that includes Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Inner City Law Center, Public Counsel, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Neighborhood Legal Services, in addition to Bet Tzedek Legal Services.

“Our message is clear: If you are struggling, we are here for you,” said City Attorney Feuer. “Los Angeles’s legal community is full of experienced, dedicated lawyers eager to make a difference for those in need. This crisis has taken an enormous toll on our city, but it has also brought out the best in us. The lawyers and law firms of L.A. Represents will be heroes to their new clients. All Angelenos can be very proud of them.”

Angelenos needing assistance and legal professionals interested in joining the partnership can find detailed information at coronavirus.lacity.org/LARepresents.

“I am proud that our legal community is enthusiastically supporting L.A. Represents,” said Los Angeles Police Commission President Eileen Decker, a former United States Attorney who assisted in assembling the coalition. “Their commitment to helping their fellow Angelenos — especially those who are struggling as a result of this public health emergency — is truly inspiring and reflects the best of our profession.”