JustLegal

Your local starting points

Legal help in California

A few different doors to knock on. Choose by what you need, check who each program serves, and have your notice or key dates nearby.

Start with the kind of support you need

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Free if eligible & accepted

Free legal services for low-income residents. Covers housing, family, immigration, government benefits.

Programs screen by income, location, issue and available capacity. Acceptance or representation is not guaranteed.

State Bar of California · attorney referrals

Ask about fees

Find a lawyer for a consultation, a particular task, or full representation.

A referral is not free representation. Ask about limited-scope work, the consultation price and any retainer.

Court self-help & official forms

Information & forms

Start with the court’s instructions and forms for your type of proceeding.

Filing or service fees may apply. Ask about fee waivers. Court staff cannot act as your lawyer.

ABA Free Legal Answers

Free if eligible

Ask a volunteer attorney a civil legal question through a participating program.

Check state availability and screening rules. Not for criminal defense, urgent deadlines or ongoing representation.

More local routes

Public Counsel

Check program terms

Nation's largest pro bono law firm. Housing, immigration, civil rights in LA and beyond.

Stanford Community Law Clinic

Check program terms

Free legal services for low-income individuals: housing, disability, post-conviction.

State Bar of California Certified Referral Services

Check program terms

County-based certified referrals with $35 initial consults.

Legal information, libraries & government resources
What to ask when you call
  • Do you handle my type of problem in this county?
  • What eligibility checks and documents do you need?
  • Is this advice, document review or representation?
  • What will it cost, and how soon can someone respond?
  • How should I send a short summary or relevant documents?

If a program cannot help, ask for a referral. If a deadline is close, say so at the start of the call.

Explore help by issue

JustLegal provides free educational information and organization tools. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or representation. Providers decide eligibility, availability, fees, and whether to accept a matter.