Note: This list was created to augment the direct representation provided by our attorneys. We have tried to cover a broad range of issues and geographic locations. However, the landscape of California organizations and service providers is constantly changing. FDAP cannot guarantee that this list is exhaustive or fully up-to-date. An organization’s inclusion in this list is for information only and does not necessarily represent our endorsement of the services provided.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
Provides free legal services to Silicon Valley residents. Services include eviction defense, housing discrimination cases, public benefits support, investigation of mental health facilities, and help accessing mental healthcare in county jail.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area
Hosts a free Walk-In Legal Clinic and provides rapid response community resources on its website.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Offers free civil legal services to low-income people in the Los Angeles area. Services include criminal record expungement, driver’s license reinstatement, support with child custody issues, eviction defense, and housing discrimination cases.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Offers free civil legal services to low-income people in San Diego County including help with healthcare, eviction defense, housing discrimination, public benefits, and child custody/visitation issues.
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Offers free civil legal services to low-income people in San Mateo County including help with landlord-tenant disputes, eviction defense, and access to healthcare and public benefits.
Provides free legal services to seniors in Alameda County. Offers support related to elder abuse, public benefits, healthcare, immigration law, and housing.
Legal Assistance to the Elderly
Offers free legal services to seniors and adults with disabilities in San Francisco. Assists with housing issues, public benefits, elder abuse, estate planning, and access to healthcare.
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
Publishes manuals on various legal topics relevant to incarcerated people and their loved ones, with an emphasis on family law issues. Free manuals available to incarcerated people upon request (see website for details). Runs All of Us or None, a grassroots organizing project fighting for the rights of formerly and currently incarcerated people and their families.
Legal Services of Northern California
Provides free civil legal services to low-income clients including help with housing, government benefits, healthcare, and criminal record expungement.
Helps lifers with parole suitability. Educates family members and the public about the parole system. Publishes the California Lifer Newsletter, free to people in prison. Offers self-help programs for lifers and seminars for their loved ones.
Special thanks to Root & Rebound and Prison Activist Resource Center, whose resource guides served in part as source material.
FDAP also wishes to thank and acknowledge the vision and dedication of Rashida Harmon, former associate staff attorney for FDAP, who devoted untold hours to bring this resource to fruition.