Legal
Overview
The Community Legal Program provides free legal services in a clinic setting for civil legal matters. We do not provide legal representation in court, but can provide advice sessions or "limited scope representation," which will give you the information you need to move forward in resolving your legal issue. We can also help you access court forms and fill them out correctly. We may be able to provide assistance in the following areas:
- landlord/tenant disputes -- for tenants and small landlords
- small claims/contract matters
- civil harassment restraining orders
- family law consultations and referrals
- employment disputes
- understanding the worker's compensation process
- name changes
- guardianship and conservatorship matters
- public education and discipline issues
- immigration law referrals
If we cannot provide the assistance you need, we will do our best to refer you to an agency who can. We are also fortunate to have several skilled volunteer attorneys who assist us by providing consultations in their specific areas of expertise.
Workshops
We hold periodic workshops open to the public on specific issues of recurring interest. We are planning our next workshop on Mobile Home Law and the Rights and Responsibilities of Mobile Home Residents. We plan to hold future workshops on family law, credit repair and immigration.
Donations
Because funding a free legal program is a constant struggle, we ask that, after you receive assistance, you consider making a voluntary donation in whatever amount fits your budget and circumstances. There is absolutely no obligation to provide any donation.
Understanding Limited Scope Representation
"Limited Scope Representation" or "unbundling" refers to situations where an attorney will assist you in only certain parts of a legal case or dispute. The American Bar Association has defined limited scope representation as "a designated service or services, rather than the full package of traditionally offered services. The client and lawyer select the service the lawyer will provide." The State Bar of California describes it as "[a] relationship between an attorney and a person seeking legal services in which it is agreed that the scope of the legal services will be limited to the defined tasks that the person asks the attorney to perform."
Public Interest attorneys often provide limited scope representation. In order to maximize the number of individuals we can help, we do not provide start to finish legal representation for an entire matter. If we can help you, we will specify the limited services we can provide you in a written Limited Scope Agreement. This way, you and the attorney clearly define the help you will receive and there is no confusion regarding the scope of the legal services provided.
