Resources
Do you need help in finding an attorney?
Certified Lawyer Referral Services (LRS) are designed to help you find legal assistance. They are certified by the State Bar of California and can be identified by their State Bar certification number. For more information, contact LRS.
Once you find an attorney, contact the attorney and schedule a free consultation to see if the attorney is the right person for your legal needs. It is best to consult with at least three attorneys to find the one that can best assist you by providing information on how they can handle your matter, and the cost and outcome of the legal services.
Before you retain an attorney, make sure that the attorney is a licensed California attorney in good standing with the State Bar of California. You can check the status of an attorney at consumer information. It is also recommended to conduct an Internet search to see reviews and other relevant information on the attorney and/or law firm.
If you have retained an attorney and have a dispute with the attorney or believe the attorney did not handle your legal matter appropriately, you can file a complaint against the attorney with the State Bar of California.
Other Legal Resources
If you cannot afford an attorney, contact Abella & Associates and we may be able to assist you and/or refer you to other resources. Not every legal matter requires an attorney. You may be able to handle the matter yourself or with the assistance of an investigator, paralegal, or other type of legal professional.
California Courts
You can also contact the superior court in the county in which your matter is in. For example, if your matter is in the county of Los Angeles, you can go to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. There are many self-help resources listed on the website. See also the Self-Help Guide to California Courts.
Federal Courts
Contact federal courts for a list of resources.
California Bar Associations
Another resource is the local county bar associations or other bar associations. Bar associations are associations that California attorneys belong to and are grouped in various ways such as by counties, area of expertise, affinity groups, practice areas, years of experience, etc. There are over 300 bar associations in California. Go to bar associations for the list.
LawHelpCA.org
LawHelpCa.org is a free resource that provides information on various legal topics such as housing, consumer, small claims, public benefits, employment, disability, family and kids, domestic violence, elder abuse, immigration, etc. For more information, contact LawHelpCA.org.
Legal Aid Foundations
Contact Legal Aid Foundations for a list of the 2024 Legal Aid Grant Recipients.
Dispute Resolution Programs
Mediation programs provide an alternative method of resolving complaints without having to go to court. Through the mediation process, the individuals involved in a dispute resolve their own issues with the help of a mediator. The mediator does not enforce a decision on the individuals but helps guide them in reaching a solution.
Contact Dispute Resolution Programs for information.