Private attorneys extend PAI’s advocacy

Attorneys in private practice who litigate cases with PAI and do not charge for their services greatly enhance our legal advocacy. Their pro bono work:

Allows us to serve more people with disabilities; and

Helps us advance our mission of achieving an inclusive, barrier-free world for Californians with disabilities.

This year, PAI’s board of directors acknowledged the work of two law firms whose work was key to our success in two class-action lawsuits.

Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe contributed time and resources in Katie A. v. Bontá. Filed on behalf of children with emotional disabilities who are in, or at risk of, foster care placement, Katie A. has resulted in settlement with the County of Los Angeles. The county has closed MacLaren Children’s Center – its infamous emergency shelter.

Now proceeding against the state, Katie A. seeks wraparound services and therapeutic foster care for children who would otherwise be removed from their family and community, and placed in restrictive settings.

One of the Heller firm’s major contributions is an extranet system that helps the statewide litigation team work together more effectively.

Howrey Simon Arnold & White co-counseled with PAI in the Davis v. California Health and Human Services case. In a recent settlement, the City of San Francisco agreed to evaluate Laguna Honda residents continually to see if they can live outside the hospital with appropriate supports. And, the state agreed to emphasize community alternatives to nursing homes.

The Howrey firm also sponsored a summer public interest internship at PAI’s Oakland Office.