Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
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Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 19,813,839 | 32,627,974 | 34,911,949 | 54,705,482 | 57,031,001 | 199,090,245 |
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf .... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | 19,813,839 | 32,627,974 | 34,911,949 | 54,705,482 | 57,031,001 | 199,090,245 |
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 199,090,245 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 19,813,839 | 32,627,974 | 34,911,949 | 54,705,482 | 57,031,001 | 199,090,245 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 197,083 | 367,639 | 441,204 | 408,534 | 470,642 | 1,885,102 |
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | 14,993,136 | 359,740 | 1,671,419 | 1,846,832 | 707,313 | 19,578,440 |
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 220,553,787 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2024 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024: | ||||
| a From 2019....... | ||||
| b From 2020....... | ||||
| c From 2021....... | ||||
| d From 2022....... | ||||
| e From 2023....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2019 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2024, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2024. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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7 Excess distributions carryover to 2025. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2024..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
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| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
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| Form 990, Part III, Line 1, Description of Organization Mission: | LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved - leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4a | Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP): LAFLA's 67-year-old client received notice of a $12,500 SSI overpayment in September 2021. Client came to LAFLA in September 2023, still owing thousands of dollars of overpayment. At the time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had been withholding over $100 from her monthly SSI benefits, which was causing significant hardship for the client. Additionally, the overpayment deduction kept fluctuating, resulting in unpredictable SSI payments each month and thus instability for the client. After a seemingly endless back-and-forth with SSA, the client came to the MLP seeking a lower and stable withholding rate. SSA's own policy states that the SSA Field Office should grant a withholding rate request that is at a minimum $10 if the SSI recipient receives 100% Medicare Part D low-income subsidy, which was the case for client. LAFLA submitted a case complaint to SSA highlighting this policy and requesting a $10 monthly withholding rate for client. In reviewing client's Medicare Part D for client's SSI overpayment matter, LAFLA staff also identified that client received a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program referral from SSA, which qualified her for conditional Medicare Part A. However, DPSS requested proof of the client's Medicare expenses, which were not required as she was conditionally applying for Medicare Part A. LAFLA submitted a case complaint to DPSS requesting that client's QMB application be processed without further proof of Medicare costs. On April 11, 2024, SSA sent a letter to client confirming that they were lowering her SSI withholding amount to $10 starting May 2024. Client now has more financial security and stability, as she receives a larger SSI monthly payment due to a lower overpayment withholding amount and does not have to stress about fluctuating benefits every month. Furthermore, Client now receives Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care should she need it. Asian Pacific Islander Community Outreach Project: LAFLA's API Community Outreach Project assisted a 59-year-old monolingual Cantonese speaking Client with his denial of his application for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. He had worked part-time for approximately eight months, ending in June 2023, and subsequently filed for UI benefits in September 2023. However, the Employment Development Department (EDD) issued a Notice of Determination stating that Client was ineligible for benefits because he had voluntarily quit his most recent job without good cause. Our client contacted our Cantonese hotline for assistance regarding his UI determination. After thoroughly reviewing his documents and gathering relevant information, we helped him file an appeal within 30 days of the determination date and requested a Cantonese interpreter for the hearing. After several months of waiting, the Client finally received his Notice of Hearing, which was scheduled for March 2024. Before the hearing date, we met Client at our office to provide hearing prep. We explained the hearing process and reviewed key arguments Client could make before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We also conducted a mock hearing session. We advised the Client on how he should explain why he did not voluntarily quit his most recent job and why he should be eligible for UI benefits. Ultimately, the ALJ reversed EDD's decision. The ALJ concluded that Client did not voluntarily leave his job and was also not discharged for misconduct. Instead, the ALJ determined that the Client was laid off due to lack of work, thus making him eligible for UI benefits. After the ALJ issued a favorable decision for Client, EDD began disbursing Client's UI benefits. We continued to assist Client by calling EDD to check his unpaid balance and confirm that he will receive his previously denied UI benefits, totaling nearly $3,000. These benefits were crucial for Client as they helped him cover his daily expenses while he searched for a new job. Immigration Access Work Group: IAWG represented a client who was severely injured due to his Armenian ethnicity. The client fled his hometown due to being targeted because of his nationality, among other things. He was severely beaten and tortured as well was his 4-year-old daughter. He had filed a bare-bones asylum application over a decade prior to LAFLA's intervention but it was languishing. An IAWG attorney represented him at his asylum hearing as well as responded to Requests for Evidence. Client's asylum application was approved. His daughter also received asylum. This family is now able to begin the healing process knowing that their immigration status is more secure. Restoring Communities: Client is from the Mar Vista Garden Housing projects and was exposed to gang life, including drugs and violence, at a young age. One month after he turned 16 years old, Client was involved in a gang-related shooting and was convicted of attempted-murder as a result. This was his first time being arrested and his only criminal conviction. He received a 19-year sentence and spent the next 15 years in prison. While inside, he attended all the self-help groups that he could and ultimately started facilitating them. After 15 years of incarceration, Client had the opportunity to show his rehabilitation efforts to a panel of parole commissioners who approved his release in 2019. Within five years of being released, Client obtained his AA, BS, and MSW. After completing his MSW, Client got a job at Los Angeles City College as an Academic Advisor, focusing his attention on supporting students that had themselves been system-impacted. During this time, Client applied with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, which is required for him to continue working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The BBS denied Client's request based on his conviction as a minor, his only conviction. The first time Client came to LAFLA, in 2023, we assisted him in preparing and filing an expungement petition showcasing all the work he had done since his release. LAFLA advocate represented him at his hearing arguing for the dismissal, but the judge denied his petition. In 2024, LAFLA assisted Client to prepare and file another expungement petition. This petition was filed while Client worked at LACC and included several letters from students that he had worked with expressing their gratitude for his mentorship and guidance as they navigated higher education after being impacted by the criminal penal system. LAFLA advocate represented him at his hearing, in front of the same judge, where Client gave a moving statement highlighting his rehabilitation and the petition was granted. LAFLA advocate prepared a written request to appeal to BBS based on his expungement. The BBS rescinded the denial and approved Client's registration as an ACSW, clearing the path for him to log required internship hours towards his Licensing application. Survivor and Family Justice: Client is married and has two children. The spouse physically abused client, had excessive drug and alcohol use, financially controlled client, and filed four DVROs (DV restraining orders) against her as part of his pattern of abuse. The client finally filed for a DVRO to protect herself and their children. The abuser in response filed for dissolution. UCLA extern law students took on representation of client, supervised by LAFLA attorney, Clara Mora, and UCLA Extern Director, Anne Sidwell. Our team successfully negotiated a stipulation for a 1-year Restraining Order after Hearing (ROAH), which included having the abusive spouse pay the mortgage and other bills for the house while our client and children remained there. Unfortunately, the abusive spouse immediately violated the court's orders and started withdrawing excessive amounts from the parties' joint account. Then he filed another DVRO as well as a Request for Hearing (RFO) asking to change the entire ROAH and requesting mutual restraining orders, plus a separate RFO requesting primary custody of the minor children. LAFLA's attorney drafted the client's Dissolution Response, two Responsive Declaration to the opposing party's RFOs, an ex parte RFO request, a reply to the spouse's DVRO plus a supplemental declaration explaining it all. LAFLA prepared the client for all the hearings. |
| Form 990, Part III, Line 4a | The court granted an ex parte (emergency) order in our client's favor - allowing client to collect the rent from their tenant's property as compensation for funds taken, ordering the opposing party to pay the electricity bill including back payments owed in full, and to cease withdrawing money from the parties' joint account. The court held a hearing on the opposing party's request for DVRO, denying his request. Our client still has protection from abuse and now has better orders in place preventing her abusive spouse from his continuing financial abuse as she proceeds with her dissolution case. Veterans Justice Center: A dedicated U.S. Navy veteran spent years serving his country with distinction, deploying across the globe to places like Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. In 2004, he was among the first responders to the devastating tsunami in Indonesia-a mission that left deep, lasting scars. While he endured chronic knee pain and hearing loss, it was the invisible burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that proved overwhelming. Haunted by traumatic memories and sleepless nights, he found daily life nearly unbearable. Seeking financial support, the veteran applied for VA disability benefits on his own but was awarded only a 20% rating - far too little to support his family. Unable to work due to the severity of his PTSD, he struggled to make ends meet, and his situation grew increasingly desperate. Turning to LAFLA's Veterans Justice Center (VJC) for help, he found a team of advocates who listened, understood, and acted. The VJC staff combed through his service and medical records, uncovering clear evidence that his severe mental health symptoms had begun during his military service. With a compelling case built on thorough documentation and expert advocacy, the VJC presented his claim to the VA. Their efforts paid off. After a comprehensive review, the VA acknowledged the full impact of his PTSD, increasing his disability rating to 50% and raising his total rating to 60%. This resulted in his monthly compensation jumping from $328 to $1,361.88 - a life-changing increase that provided the stability he needed to care for himself and his children. This legal victory not only secured critical financial support but also restored a sense of dignity and hope. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the Veterans Justice Center, this veteran was empowered to rebuild his life and look forward to a brighter future. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7a | Pursuant to Legal Services Corporation regulations, most directors are appointed by bar associations or community organizations. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11b | The Form 990 is prepared by an outside accounting firm based on information provided by the Chief Financial Officer; it is then reviewed by the Executive Director, the CFO and the Audit Committee. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12c | At least annually, the Board of Directors, Officers and staff of LAFLA are required to review LAFLA's Conflict of Interest Policy and complete an annual statement affirming that they have a) received a copy of the Conflict of Interest Policy, b) read and understood the policy, and c) agree to comply with such policy. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15 | The Executive Committee of the Board reviews the compensation of the Executive Director annually. A compensation survey is also conducted of similar organizations. Other organization officers or key employees' compensation is determined by comparability data and a compensation study as well as review by the Board of Directors. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 | The organization makes the Form 990 available on Guidestar.org and also makes governing documents, conflicts of interest policies and financial statements available to the public upon request. |
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