Free Legal Aid in California
Free and low-cost legal help available in California. Includes LSC-funded legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and self-help resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- 4 legal aid organizations serve California.
- Income eligibility: generally 125% of federal poverty level.
- Covers civil matters: housing, family law, consumer issues, benefits.
- Does not cover criminal cases — contact the public defender.
Legal Aid Organizations in California
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
The largest direct legal services provider for low-income people in Los Angeles, handling housing, family law, immigration, and public benefits cases.
Bay Area Legal Aid
Serves low-income residents of the San Francisco Bay Area with free legal help in housing, public benefits, family law, and consumer issues.
California Rural Legal Assistance
Provides legal services to California's rural poor, focusing on agricultural workers, immigrants, and underserved rural communities.
Inland Counties Legal Services
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Additional Resources
What Legal Aid Covers
- Housing: Eviction defense, landlord disputes, public housing issues
- Family law: Divorce, custody, protection orders, child support
- Consumer: Debt collection, credit issues, utility shutoffs
- Benefits: SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment
- Immigration: Some programs handle immigration matters
What Legal Aid Won't Cover
- Criminal cases: Contact the public defender's office
- Fee-generating cases: Personal injury, workers' comp (find a contingency-fee lawyer instead)
- Over income limit: Ask about sliding-scale fees or limited-scope representation
If You Don't Qualify
- Find a lawyer in California — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in California — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find free legal help in California?
Visit LawHelpCA.org or call 211 to be connected with local legal aid organizations. California has dozens of legal aid providers serving different regions and populations.
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What income level qualifies for legal aid in California?
Most California legal aid programs serve people at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. Some programs have higher income limits for specific case types like domestic violence.
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Does California legal aid help with immigration cases?
Yes. Several California legal aid organizations provide immigration legal services, including help with DACA, asylum, U-visas, and other immigration matters for qualifying low-income individuals.
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Can I get legal aid help with housing issues in California?
Yes. Housing is one of the largest practice areas for California legal aid, covering eviction defense, habitability issues, Section 8 problems, and fair housing complaints.