28 Angelinos Receive Quality Housing Due to the Efforts of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP and Inner City Law Center

LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys from Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley and Inner City Law Center worked together to help 28 people living in slum housing conditions obtain not only monetary compensation for being forced to live in deplorable housing conditions, but also relocation benefits, and a full renovation of the building.

The final monetary settlement in the matter Villegas, et al. v. Vista Cahuenga, et al., was reached in April 2014, and concluded a global recovery for the clients in the amount of $680,000 in monetary damages, plus relocation benefits of $93,150. Additionally, the litigation efforts resulted in a full $3,000,000 renovation of the building, including 100 units of newly refurbished affordable housing in Los Angeles. The renovation included replacing all of the plumbing, windows, appliances, wiring, lighting, paint, drywall, the elevator, flooring, and the entire fire safety system at the property.  One hundred fully renovated, Safety Code compliant housing units now exist in Los Angeles due to the efforts of SBEB and ICLC.

ICLC Senior Staff Attorney Ashley Parris teamed with Gregory L. Bentley and team from SBEB in handling the case, taking a somewhat different approach in partnering with a plaintiff litigation firm. "Typically, we team up with experienced trial counsel from large firms that have a pro bono department. It was a great experience working with Greg and his team," said Parris. Matthew Clark and Clare Lucich from Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley worked on the case as well.

Attorneys fees recovered on the case amounted to $226,666.67. SBEB donated their fees to Inner City Law Center to help further their mission of serving the most vulnerable in Los Angeles. "The results on this case will directly affect the lives of the tenants in this complex for years to come. We couldn't have done it without the help of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley," said Adam Murray, Executive Director of ICLC. "It was great working with Greg and his team."

"Nobody should have to live in such horrible conditions. Bed bugs? No heat? Really?," said SBEB partner Gregory L. Bentley. "I am so grateful that Ashley called, as working on this case goes right to the top of the 'priceless' side of life.  Matt, Clare and Ashley did a great job fighting the fight. I say a big thank you to Ashley Parris and Adam Murray and all of the attorneys at ICLC for doing what you do, you guys are amazing."

About Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP
Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP leads the nation in protecting policyholders from insurance company abuse. The firm has been protecting the rights of insurance consumers, both individuals and businesses, for over 35 years after having set the legal precedent requiring insurance companies to act in good faith.

About Inner City Law Center
The only provider of legal services on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles, Inner City Law Center combats slum housing while developing strategies to end homelessness. Inner City Law Center is recognized for their expertise in housing issues, veterans benefits, and homelessness prevention.

SOURCE Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP

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