Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Attorney Mike Feuer have launched L.A. Represents, a pro bono initiative to provide free legal services to residents facing hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A coalition of law firms, bar associations and legal-aid organizations has agreed to enhance existing pro bono programs by providing COVID-19-related legal services for vulnerable tenants, domestic violence victims and low-income individuals with employment, consumer debt and bankruptcy problems.

Additionally, L.A. Represents will build a new support system for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, overseen by volunteers and advocates at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. Small businesses can receive pro bono assistance as they address new workplace regulations, renegotiate commercial leases, apply for government relief programs and comply 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,” Garcetti said. “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.”

In addition to Bet Tzedek, the coalition offering pro bono legal services includes the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Inner City Law Center, Public Counsel, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Neighborhood Legal Services.

For information, visit coronavirus.lacity.org/larepresents.