If you are representing yourself in a civil case in the Northern District of California—or are considering filing a civil case—you may be able to get free legal help.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
An attorney may be able to:
- explain court procedures and your legal rights and responsibilities;
- provide limited legal advice;
- help you prepare simple court filings; and
- refer you to other legal, social, or government services.
The attorney can provide legal information, advice, and assistance, but does not become your lawyer or represent you in your case. You remain responsible for handling your case, including meeting deadlines, filing documents, and appearing at hearings.
Am I Eligible Get Help?
These services are for people who are representing themselves as a plaintiff or defendant in a civil case in the Northern District of California, or who are considering filing a civil case in the district.
You generally cannot use these services if you already have a lawyer.
Some additional restrictions depend on where your case is filed:
San Francisco and Oakland: Services are not available to incarcerated litigants.
San Jose: The program does not assist with bankruptcy, habeas corpus, prisoner, criminal, state-court, or appellate matters, or with cases outside the San Jose Division of the Northern District of California.
Where Can I Get Help?
Choose the location where your case is filed or where you are considering filing a case.
San Francisco
In-person appointments are available Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Walk-in assistance may also be available. Appointments are also available by Zoom or telephone.
United States Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue
15th Floor, Room 2796
San Francisco, CA 94102
To make an appointment:
Email: fedpro@sfbar.org
Phone: 415-782-8982
Legal help is provided by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC).
Oakland
In-person appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in assistance may also be available. Appointments are also available by Zoom or telephone.
United States Courthouse
1301 Clay Street
4th Floor, Room 470S
Oakland, CA 94612
To make an appointment:
Email: fedpro@sfbar.org
Phone: 415-782-8982
Legal help is provided by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC).
San Jose
Help is available by appointment or on a drop-in basis Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
United States Courthouse
280 South 1st Street
2nd Floor, Room 2070
San Jose, CA 95113
To make an appointment:
Email: hsong@asianlawalliance.org
Phone: 408-297-1480
You may also visit Room 2070 during office hours.
Legal help is provided by the Asian Law Alliance's Federal Pro Se Program.
About These Services
The legal help programs are operated by independent legal services organizations and are not part of the United States District Court.
Information for Attorneys
Attorneys interested in volunteering can learn more about Pro Bono Opportunities in the Northern District of California.