STATE BAR AND PUBLIC INTEREST CLEARINGHOUSE OFFER FORECLOSURE HELP FOR CONSUMERS

MEDIA CONTACT:  Diane Curtis   415-538-2028   diane.curtis@calbar.ca.gov

San Francisco, October 08, 2008 — The State Bar of California and Public Interest Clearinghouse have teamed up to create a Web site for consumers that offers mortgage foreclosure information, such as how to avoid losing a home and where to go to for assistance when foreclosure is a possibility, as well as general information on mortgages and loans.

The site, www.ForeclosureInfoCA.org, also offers a link to www.probono.net/ca, a site for lawyers that lists pro bono opportunities relating to the mortgage crisis as well as volunteer opportunities on a range of subjects.

The ForeclosureInfoCA Web site, made possible with a grant from the California Bar Foundation, addresses concerns of both homeowners and renters. It offers links to various agency Web sites on California’s foreclosure process and timelines, counseling for worried homeowners, steps to take for homeowners who can’t meet their payments, legal resources and information on tenants’ rights when a landlord is facing foreclosure.

The State Bar also worked with the Practising Law Institute which is offering two free MCLE classes related to the mortgage crisis. “Defending Subprime Mortgage Foreclosures” includes information on loan modification, negotiating with lenders, evaluation of loss mitigation options, identifying predatory lending and other litigation strategies.

It will be held Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in San Francisco and through a Webcast. “California Unlawful Detainer Defense,” which will include information on basics of unlawful detainer practice, key issues in foreclosure-related unlawful detainer practice and illegal lock-outs and foreclosure, will be held Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in San Francisco and through a live Webcast. Webcasts will be available on the PLI site for ongoing viewing after the training dates.

For more information on the courses, go to http://www.pli.edu/product/seminars.asp.

Founded in 1927 by the state legislature, the State Bar of California is an administrative arm of the California Supreme Court, serving the public and seeking to improve the justice system for more than 80 years. All lawyers practicing law in California must be members of the State Bar. By October 2008, membership reached more than 217,600.

###