Get Help

Public Counsel offers many different types of help—including legal services, community clinics, and informational guides. Please fill out the form below so we may best guide you.

Who or what do you need help with?

Myself or my family

A small business or child-care provider

A nonprofit or community-based issue

What type of issue are you facing?

Eviction, foreclosure, or homelessness

Debt (including student loans), fraud, unfair business practices, or bankruptcy

Child welfare, guardianship, family law

School issues, special education, discipline

Gender justice, including discrimination or harassment at work or school

Immigration-related issues

Federal court assistance

Appealing a state court decision

Veterans (benefits, discharge upgrade, caregiver support)

Please select the option that best describes your situation

I'm a small business owner needing legal help

I'm a child-care provider needing legal help

Please select the option that best describes your situation:

I'm seeking legal assistance for a nonprofit

I'm seeking support for a community campaign or advocacy issue

Which of these best describes your housing situation:

I'm facing eviction or experiencing issues with my landlord.

I'm at risk of foreclosure or having trouble paying my mortgage.

I'm currently unhoused or at risk of homelessness.

🏠 Eviction Defense and Tenant Advocacy

Public Counsel provides full-scope free legal representation to tenants and families at risk of eviction or experiencing landlord harassment.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you received an eviction notice (Unlawful Detainer), you must respond within 10 days (excluding weekends). Don’t miss this deadline!

🔗 Public Counsel is part of Stay Housed L.A., a countywide initiative to help tenants stay in their homes. Click “Get Started” on their site to check if you qualify for legal assistance.

📍 If your case was filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown L.A., you may qualify for help through the Shriver Housing Project.

🧾 Free Monthly Legal Clinics in Pasadena

Public Counsel offers free walk-in clinics providing brief legal advice and referrals on common civil-law issues, including:

🏘️ Housing & eviction
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family law
💳 Consumer debt
💼 Public benefits
📄 Expungements & probate

📍 Location:
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103

🗓️ Clinic Schedules:
🏢 Community Legal Clinic: 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
🏠 Homelessness Prevention Clinic: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

🙋‍♀️ Clinics are walk-in only and served on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment needed. Please bring any relevant documents (leases, court papers, notices, etc.).

🏡 Mortgage Assistance and Foreclosure Defense

Public Counsel helps low-income homeowners facing foreclosure understand their rights and explore options to stay in their homes. We provide legal advice and work directly with mortgage servicers to resolve servicing errors and advocate for solutions that protect our clients’ housing and financial stability.

📞 If you are a homeowner in Los Angeles County at risk of foreclosure, we may be able to help. To request legal assistance:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 402 and leave a message

One of our team members will follow up as soon as possible.

🔧 Home Improvement Lending (PACE Loans)

Predatory home improvement loans—especially Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans—have left many homeowners with unaffordable property tax bills and at risk of foreclosure.

📍 If you are dealing with a predatory home improvement loan in L.A. County, we may be able to help. To request legal assistance:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 402 and leave a message

A member of our team will reach out as soon as possible.

💳 Debt Collection Defense Clinics

Public Counsel’s Debt Collection Defense Clinic offers free legal advice and guidance to people facing debt collection lawsuits in Los Angeles County. We can help with:

🧾 Understanding court procedures
✉️ Responding to lawsuits and discovery requests
🏦 Preparing claims of exemption for wage garnishment or bank levies

💬 Services are provided through brief, one-on-one consultations.

📅 To learn more about clinic hours and services, visit the Debt Collection Defense Clinic page.

📞 For further assistance or representation:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 700

After you submit your request, our staff will contact you to discuss next steps.

🚨 Legal Help for People Experiencing Homelessness

If you are currently unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless, you may be eligible for legal assistance with issues including:

🏠 Eviction prevention
🧑‍⚖️ Landlord dispute resolution
💼 Government benefits
⚖️ Workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits
💳 Clearing financial debt
🪪 Help with professional licenses and identification
🧹 Expungement of criminal records

Public Counsel is a proud partner in the Lawyers Preventing and Ending Homelessness program in Los Angeles County.

📍 PLEASE NOTE: This program is location-based. Public Counsel only serves individuals who live or stay within Service Planning Area (SPA) 6 — which includes South L.A., Watts, Lynwood, and Compton.
⚠️ Other legal nonprofits serve the remaining areas of L.A. County.

📌 If you are located within SPA 6 and would like legal assistance:

📞 Call (323) 948-0444 to schedule an intake appointment with HOPICS
🌐 Or visit the HOPICS website

📍 If you are outside of SPA 6: Please call 211 to be referred to a Coordinated Entry System (CES) agency in your area.

🧾 Free Monthly Legal Clinics in Pasadena

Public Counsel offers free walk-in clinics providing brief legal advice and referrals on common civil-law issues, including:

🏘️ Housing & eviction
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family law
💳 Consumer debt
💼 Public benefits
📄 Expungements & probate

📍 Location:
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103

🙋‍♀️ Clinics are walk-in only and served on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment needed. Please bring any relevant documents (leases, court papers, notices, etc.).

Please select the option that best describes your situation:

I'm dealing with debt or student loan issues.

I'm experiencing fraud or unfair business practices.

I'm considering filing for bankruptcy or have bankruptcy-related questions.

🏦 Debt Collection and Student Loans

💳 Debt Collection Defense Clinics

Public Counsel’s Debt Collection Defense Clinic offers free legal advice and guidance to people facing debt collection lawsuits in Los Angeles County. We can help with:

🧾 Understanding court procedures
✉️ Responding to lawsuits and discovery requests
💵 Preparing claims of exemption for wage garnishment or bank levies

💬 Services are provided through brief, one-on-one consultations.

📅 To learn more about clinic hours and services, visit the Debt Collection Defense Clinic page.

📞 For further assistance or representation:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 700

After you submit your request, our staff will contact you to discuss next steps.

🎓 Student Loan Assistance

Public Counsel’s Consumer Rights team assists student borrowers who have been harmed by predatory for-profit schools, are struggling with loan repayment, or are facing abusive debt collection practices.

For help with a for-profit college or student loan debt:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 700

After you complete your intake, our staff will review your request and contact you to discuss next steps.

🧾 Free Monthly Legal Clinic in Pasadena

Public Counsel offers a free walk-in clinic providing brief legal advice and referrals on bankruptcy/consumer debt, probate, civil matters, public benefits, housing, family law, expungements & other issues

📍 Location:
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103

🗓️ Schedule:
Community Legal Clinic: 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

🙋‍♀️ Clinics are walk-in only and served on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment needed. Please bring any relevant documents (leases, court papers, notices, etc.).

🚨 Fraud & Unfair Business Practices

Public Counsel provides free legal assistance to individuals facing fraud and unfair business practices, including real estate scams, financial elder abuse, auto financing fraud, predatory lending, abusive debt collection, and foreclosure issues. We also support consumers targeted by businesses exploiting disadvantaged communities.

If you’re experiencing fraud, real estate scams, or other unfair practices, we may be able to help:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 700

After you submit your request, our staff will review your information and contact you to discuss next steps—we may offer direct legal help or referrals for further assistance.

🔧 Home Improvement Lending (PACE Loans)

Predatory home improvement loans—especially Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans—have left many homeowners with unaffordable property tax bills and at risk of foreclosure.

📍 If you are dealing with a predatory home improvement loan in L.A. County, we may be able to help. To request legal assistance:

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 402 and leave a message

A member of our team will reach out as soon as possible.

📂 Bankruptcy Clinic

Public Counsel’s Los Angeles Bankruptcy Clinic offers free 30-minute consultations with an attorney—via Zoom or in person—to help you understand your options and next steps. We provide counsel for straightforward Chapter 7 cases, limited guidance and referrals for Chapter 13 matters, advice for creditors, and connections to other legal or social-service resources. For additional guidance, you can also watch our step-by-step bankruptcy videos online.

Consultations are by appointment only.

📝 To schedule an appointment, complete the online intake form or call 📞 (213) 385-2977 ext. 704 (callbacks may take up to two weeks).

📍 In-person appointments:
🏛️ Bankruptcy Self-Help Office, Roybal Courthouse & Federal Building
255 E. Temple Street, Terrace Level Room 100
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(Masks required)

⚠️ We cannot guarantee assistance without a scheduled appointment.

🔗 Visit our clinic page for more info, self-help guides, and instructional videos.

🧾 Free Monthly Legal Clinic in Pasadena

📍 Location:
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103

🗓️ Schedule:
Community Legal Clinic: 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

🙋‍♀️ Clinics are walk-in only and served on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment needed. Please bring any relevant documents (leases, court papers, notices, etc.).

Please select the option that best describes your situation:

I'm a transition-age youth (ages 16–26) who has experienced foster care

My family is facing involvement with child protective services

I want to prepare for child separation due to a possible deportation

I'm seeking support for guardianship of a minor

I'm seeking assistance with an adoption

🌟 Youth in Foster Care

Public Counsel’s Transition Age Youth (TAY) team provides holistic legal support to young people ages 16–26 who have experienced foster care.

We can provide legal advice for any youth with a legal issue in California, and we are able to attend court for legal issues in Los Angeles County. Our advocacy includes support in the following areas:

🚗 Adult traffic tickets
💰 Benefits (public assistance and more)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Custody, divorce, visitation, child support, and family separation
🏠 Housing law
📝 Name change and/or gender marker correction petitions
🚫 Restraining orders
🤰 Rights and resources for expectant and parenting youth
🔒 Sealing juvenile justice records

If you need help and have been impacted by foster care or juvenile probation, we may be able to help.

📝 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 500 and leave a message

💬 A member of our team will contact you to discuss your legal needs.

🛡️ Guardianship Support

Public Counsel’s Guardianship Clinic offers free legal assistance to individuals involved in probate guardianship cases in Los Angeles County. We help with:

📄 Petitions for guardianship
👁️ Visitation
❌ Termination of guardianship
⚖️ Other related matters

Our team supports self-represented litigants by helping them:

✍️ Complete court forms
📘 Understand legal procedures
📋 Prepare for court hearings

📅 Clinic hours: Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
⚠️ Services are first-come, first-served and space is limited each day.

📍 Location:
Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Second Floor, Room 230
111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

🔗 Visit our clinic page to learn more.

👶 Adoption Support

Public Counsel finalizes adoptions for children in foster care and helps families secure essential benefits and services. We work in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and rely on referrals through their system.

📌 Please note: We only accept adoption cases referred by DCFS. We do not take direct requests from the public.

📚 To learn more about adoption in Los Angeles County or to begin the process, please contact DCFS.

🔗 Click here to visit the DCFS adoption page.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Protective Services Support

If your family is facing involvement with child protective services, Public Counsel provides preventive legal resources to help you understand your rights and stay safely together.

⚡ For immediate legal information and community-based resources about child protective services involvement, visit ParentSupportLine.org.

🛂 Preparing for Child Separation Due to Deportation

If your family has questions about how to prepare for a possible deportation, we may be able to help.

📞 To request direct legal assistance for planning for a possible separation due to deportation, call us at (213) 385-2977, ext. 311 and leave a message.

💬 A member of our team will contact you to discuss your legal needs.

🏫 Education Advocacy & Special Education Support

Public Counsel provides education advocacy for students and their families on a broad range of issues. We prioritize support for families with lower incomes, English Learners, students of color, students with disabilities who are denied appropriate access to special education services, students who are being pushed out of comprehensive schools, and those involved in the dependency or delinquency court systems.

💡 Need help with a special education issue or interested in scheduling a community training?

Our team offers free legal advocacy and know-your-rights trainings to support students with disabilities and their families. We can assist with:

📋 Special education eligibility
🧑‍🏫 IEP meetings
⚖️ Dispute resolution
➕ And more

🔗 Click here to request help or call (213) 385-2977 ext. 500.

Please select the option that best describes your situation:

I'm experiencing gender discrimination or harassment at work

I'm experiencing gender discrimination or harassment at school.

⚖️ Workplace Gender Discrimination & Harassment Support

Public Counsel provides free legal advice and representation to low-income workers facing harassment, discrimination, or other gender-based injustices at work.

📞 Our weekly Advice Clinic offers call-in consultations and information on issues such as:

🚫 Workplace discrimination and harassment
💸 Wage theft
📤 Wrongful termination
🤰 Accommodations for disability, pregnancy, lactation, and gender-based violence

📅 Appointments are required for the call-in clinic. Please check the calendar and reserve a time on our sign-up page:

🔗 Sign up for a clinic appointment

📝 Seeking individual legal assistance with an employment law issue?

📄 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 410 and leave a message

💬 A team member will follow up to discuss your legal needs.

🎓 School-Based Gender Discrimination & Harassment Support

Public Counsel’s Audrey Irmas Gender Justice Project offers free legal advice and representation to students who have experienced:

🚫 Sexual harassment or assault
⚖️ Gender discrimination
🤱 Denials of accommodations for pregnancy or breast/chest feeding

We also provide 💡 Know-Your-Rights education and partner with pro bono attorneys to help students understand and assert their Title IX protections.

📞 Our weekly Advice Clinic offers call-in consultations and information for students navigating issues like:

🧑‍🏫 Sexual harassment or assault in school settings
📚 Gender-based discrimination
🤰 Denials of accommodations for pregnancy or chest/breastfeeding

📅 Appointments are required for the call-in clinic. Reserve a time on our sign-up page:

🔗 Sign up for a clinic appointment

📝 If you’re seeking individual legal assistance with a school-related gender justice issue:

📄 Complete our online intake form
📞 Or call (213) 385-2977, ext. 410 and leave a message

💬 A member of our team will contact you to discuss your legal needs.

🦋 Immigration Legal Support

Public Counsel prioritizes serving asylum seekers, immigrants in detention, survivors of violent crime, and unaccompanied children—especially those in Southern California who cannot access legal protections without counsel.

🛡️ Asylum Seekers: Legal and social work support for individuals and families fleeing persecution due to their beliefs, identities, or circumstances. We offer direct representation and work closely with pro bono attorneys.
🚪 Detained Immigrants: Representation for individuals held in local detention facilities, including advocacy for asylum seekers and long-time community members.
💜 Survivors of Violence: Assistance with VAWA, U visa, and T visa petitions, as well as lawful permanent residency.
🧒 Unaccompanied Children: Representation in immigration and juvenile courts, as well as SIJS and asylum applications. We also help ensure access to education and healthcare.

📞 To find out if we can assist you or your family, call us at (213) 385-2977, ext. 600 and leave a message. A member of our Immigrants’ Rights Project will follow up to discuss your situation and legal options.

🚫 Beware of notario fraud! Learn how to protect yourself: bit.ly/No-Notarios

🤝 Additional Legal Resources for Immigrants

📍 CARECEN: (213) 385-7800, ext. 136
📍 CHIRLA: (888) 624-4752
📍 LACBA Immigration Legal Assistance Project: (213) 485-1873

🛂 Preparing for Child Separation Due to Deportation

If your family has questions about how to prepare for a possible deportation, we may be able to help.

📞 To request direct legal assistance for planning for a possible separation due to deportation, call us at (213) 385-2977, ext. 311 and leave a message.

💬 A member of our team will contact you to discuss your legal needs.

📄 Appellate Clinic Support

Public Counsel’s Appellate Clinic provides free legal assistance and information to individuals representing themselves in civil appeals before the California Court of Appeal, Second District.

⚖️ We help self-represented litigants:

🧭 Understand appellate court procedures
📝 Prepare legal filings
📚 Access self-help resources to navigate the appeals process more confidently

🔗 Visit our Appellate Clinic page to learn more and request information or assistance.

🏛️ The Appellate Clinic operates in partnership with the California Court of Appeal, Second District.

🏛️ Federal Court Self-Help Clinic

Public Counsel’s Federal Pro Se Clinic offers free legal assistance to individuals representing themselves in civil cases in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

⚖️ We help self-represented litigants:

📚 Understand federal court procedures
📝 Prepare documents and filings
🧭 Navigate the legal process with confidence

📅 The clinic offers walk-in hours every Wednesday at the Roybal Courthouse and Federal Building. Appointments can also be requested in advance.

🔗 To check the calendar for upcoming clinic dates and access guides, sample forms, and instructional videos, visit the Federal Court Self-Help Clinic page.

🎖️ Veteran-Specific Legal Support

Public Counsel provides free legal assistance to veterans, caregivers, survivors, and dependents to secure the benefits and support they’ve rightfully earned.

🩺 VA Benefits and Healthcare Eligibility: Assistance for veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, including disability compensation claims related to PTSD, military sexual trauma, and other mental health conditions.
📄 Discharge Upgrades: Support for veterans impacted by PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, or discriminatory policies like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” An upgraded discharge can improve access to benefits and employment opportunities.
❤️ Caregiver, Survivor, and Dependent Support: Legal help with VA caregiver support, survivor benefits, disability compensation, and long-term care.

In addition, for veterans living in the L.A. area, we may be able to assist with the following legal issues:

📑 California tickets and expungements
📜 Powers of attorney

📝 To request legal assistance with a VA benefits claim or discharge upgrade, please complete our online intake form [CLOSED]. Our team will review your information and follow up regarding eligibility and next steps.

⚠️ Please Note: Our intake line is currently closed.

🏪 Small Business Legal Support

Public Counsel provides free legal support to small businesses that strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of Los Angeles but face systemic barriers to success.

We assist small businesses with:

📄 Entity formation
🖋️ Contracts and leasing
👥 Employment law
💡 Intellectual property
⚖️ Other legal matters crucial for stability and growth

📝 Need legal help for your small business? Complete our online application to determine eligibility for services.

🔗 Apply here or call 📞 (213) 385-2977 x200 for more information.

🧸 Child Care Provider Legal Support

Public Counsel provides free legal support to in-home day care providers and nonprofit child care centers. We assist with:

🏠 Landlord discrimination
🏗️ Zoning and permitting issues
📋 Licensing compliance
🖋️ Contracts
👥 Employment law
⚖️ Other legal needs that protect and grow your child care business

📚 Need legal help or interested in training for your child care business? We offer individual assistance and group workshops to help providers understand their rights and navigate complex regulations.

📞 Call (213) 385-2977 x 300 or 📝 apply online here.

🤝 Nonprofit Legal Assistance

Public Counsel provides free legal assistance to nonprofits serving low-income communities in Los Angeles. Our services include help with:

🏗️ Incorporation and tax exemption
👥 Employment law
📝 Contracts and leases
🏢 Real estate transactions
💡 Intellectual property
📋 Compliance and governance
⚖️ Other operational legal needs

We support both new and established nonprofits dedicated to building stronger, more equitable communities.

📝 Need legal help for your nonprofit or planning to start one? Complete our online application to determine your eligibility.

🔗 Apply here or call 📞 (213) 385-2977 x200 for more information.

✊ Community Campaign & Advocacy Support

Public Counsel’s Community Development Project partners with community-led campaigns advancing racial and economic justice. We offer legal and policy support focused on:

🏠 Housing justice
🏗️ Equitable development
⚖️ Fair housing enforcement
💼 Economic opportunity
🌟 Dismantling systemic racism in low-income communities of color

🤝 Are you part of a community-based campaign working to advance equity and justice? We welcome inquiries for legal support related to housing, economic development, workers’ rights, and more.

📝 Apply here to request assistance.