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

Since launching on May 5, 32 more law firms, over a dozen bar associations and three legal aid organizations have agreed to provide free COVID-19-related legal assistance through L.A. Represents, bringing the total to 60 law firms and 10 legal aid organizations. Services include helping vulnerable tenants, domestic violence victims and low-income Angelenos with employment, consumer debt and bankruptcy matters. 

“Since its inception in May, L.A. Represents has continued to grow to be able to assist more and more L.A. residents during this pandemic,” Feuer said. “L.A. Represents exemplifies the very best of Los Angeles, experienced and committed attorneys giving of their time and talent to help Angelenos in need during this crisis.”

To date, more than 100 small businesses have sought help through the L.A. Represents. The portion of the program for small businesses is overseen by volunteers and advocates at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. L.A. Represents attorneys are helping business owners with legal issues involving loan and grant program and commercial lease applications, employment law, insurance and “Safer at Home” order compliance.

“We applaud the city’s effort to bring together legal aid organizations and volunteers from law firms, corporate legal departments and law schools to combat the impending explosion of residential and commercial evictions through L.A. Represents,” said Diego Cartagena, president and CEO of Bet Tzedek Legal Services. “Working with L.A. Represents and pro bono law firm attorneys, Bet Tzedek has seen the impact we can have by counseling small business owners and tenants on their lease options and helping them chart a path to the other side of this pandemic. Together, we can ensure all individuals can navigate this public health and economic crisis.”

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