David Chao Obtains Pro Bono Victory Against California Department of Social Services

Bird Marella attorney David Chao, together with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, recently secured a complete victory in a pro bono matter against the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Chao was retained in early 2015, after the indigent client filed a petition for writ of mandate against CDSS seeking compensation for in-home supportive services he provided to an elderly woman.  The case settled immediately after Bird Marella filed its opening trial brief, when CDSS stipulated to entry of judgment and issuance of a writ. Chao successfully obtained a writ of mandate from Los Angeles County Superior Court ordering CDSS to issue a new decision that authorizes full payment of back wages with interest.  The writ further orders CDSS to rescind a statewide policy that the agency has repeatedly relied on to deny benefits to IHSS recipients and their caretakers.