Self-help

Free or low-cost legal services

Do you have a legal issue, but cannot afford to hire an attorney? There are many ways to obtain free or low cost legal help. Some, but not all, of the services listed in this guide are reserved for people of low-income. Use this guide to find legal assistance.

Legal guides

Is there a legal topic that you need help with, or would like to learn more about? These Legal Guides link to resources from other legal organizations on a variety of topics. These links are starting points to provide you with information. Look through our Legal Guides research guide for a full list.

Find a lawyer or resolve a dispute with your lawyer

If you want to hire a lawyer, there are organizations that can help you look for one. Or if you have a dispute with your lawyer, there are ways to resolve the dispute. Use this guide on finding a lawyer or resolving a dispute with your lawyer.

Other legal resources

Legal links

Find local, state, and federal legal links.

Legal forms

Find electronic and print forms for court and sample legal agreements.

Programs and clinics

Learn about our free programs and clinics.

LexisNexis Digital Library

Browse ebooks on a range of legal topics through the San Francisco Law Library. Access from anywhere.

Research Guides on legal topics

Curated guides to resources from librarians at the San Francisco Law Library.

California Courts Self-Help Center

Find resources from the court on common legal topics like child support, custody, finding a lawyer, going to court, and more.

San Francisco Superior Court ACCESS Center

Get legal information and resources for representing yourself in court cases.

Superior Court

ACCESS Center
400 McAllister St #509
San Francisco, CA 94102

Lawyer Referral and Information Service

Offers 30-minute business law consultations at a low price. From the Bar Association of San Francisco.

415-989-1616

Hours: 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST, M-F

Bay Area Legal Aid Consumer Rights Clinic

The Library is pleased to host Bay Area Legal Aid's Consumer Rights Clinic every 4th Thursday of the month. RSVP required, so please contact Bay Area Legal Aid for more information.

Bay Area Legal Aid

415-982-1300

Call this number to RSVP for the clinic.

Legal Advice and Referral Clinic

The San Francisco Bar Association's Justice and Diversity Center co-sponsors the Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (LARC) at UC College of the Law, San Francisco every third Friday of the month from 4PM-6PM. Clinics offer free, limited legal advice and referrals to residents.