California Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in California, the organizations below may be a good place to start. Availability depends on the type of case, your income, and where you live. Some programs handle civil matters only, while public defenders generally assist with qualifying criminal cases.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Legal Aid Foundation and Legal Aid Organizations (California Legal Aid Network)
California has a large network of nonprofit legal aid organizations that provide free civil legal services to eligible low income residents across the state.
The Legal Aid Association of California helps coordinate legal aid services and directs people to local programs.
Website
https://www.laaconline.org
State Legal Information Site
LawHelp California
LawHelp California is one of the best statewide legal information resources. It provides self-help legal guides, court forms, and referrals to legal aid organizations throughout California.
Website
https://www.lawhelpcalifornia.org
Free Online Legal Answers
California Free Legal Answers
California Free Legal Answers is an online legal advice clinic where eligible individuals can ask civil legal questions and receive answers from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://california.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Programs
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is a national civil rights organization based in California that focuses on protecting the rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, education, and policy work.
Address
2212 6th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone
(510) 644-2555
Website
https://dredf.org
California Indian Legal Services
California Indian Legal Services provides free or low cost legal assistance to Native Americans and tribal governments throughout California.
Address
609 South Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone
(760) 746-8941
Toll Free: (800) 743-8941
Website
https://www.calindian.org
Legal Aid at Work (formerly Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center)
Legal Aid at Work focuses on employment law issues affecting low income workers, including discrimination, wage theft, and workplace rights.
Address
180 Montgomery Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone
(415) 864-8848
Website
https://legalaidatwork.org
Law School Clinics
University of California and California Law School Clinics
Many California law schools operate legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free or reduced cost legal assistance in certain matters.
Examples include clinics at:
• University of California Berkeley School of Law
• UCLA School of Law
• Stanford Law School
• UC Davis School of Law
• University of San Francisco School of Law
These clinics often assist with immigration, housing, civil rights, consumer law, and family law matters.
Website Example
https://www.law.berkeley.edu/experiential/clinics/
Lawyer Directory or Referral
California State Bar Lawyer Referral Services
The State Bar of California provides information on certified lawyer referral services that help connect individuals with licensed attorneys in their area.
Website
https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help
Public Defender
California Public Defender Offices
Public defender services in California are handled at the county level. If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you.
To locate your county public defender office, use the California Courts website.
Website
https://www.courts.ca.gov
Court and Self-Help Links
California Courts Self Help Center
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides guides, court forms, and information to help people represent themselves in certain legal matters.
Website
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Your Public Law Library
Public law libraries across California provide legal research materials, workshops, and help locating legal information.
Website
https://www.publiclawlibrary.org
Important Note
Court locations, office hours, and program availability can change. Please confirm details directly with the organization before relying on this information.
ProBonoLawyers.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This website should be considered a directory intended to help people locate legal resources that may offer pro bono or reduced cost services. Use of this site does not create an attorney client relationship.