Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES General Legal Support Resources Serving the East Bay (Including Online Resources) Asian Law Caucus The ALC is a legal and civil rights organization serving the low-income Asian Pacific American communities in the Bay Area. Areas of focus include immigration, employment and labor, juvenile justice, language rights, housing and community development, and anti-Asian violence. 939 Market Street, Suite 201, San Francisco (415) 896-1701 http://www.asianlawcaucus.org/site/alc_dev/ Bay Area Legal Aid – Alameda County Offers civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Alameda County in the areas of domestic violence & family law, housing rights, health care access, and public benefits & economic security. Chapters exist for other Bay Area counties in addition to Alameda County (see Web site for more info). 405 14th St., 11th Floor, Oakland (510) 663-4744 (General Number) (510) 250-5270 (Legal Assistance Line) http://www.baylegal.org/offices/alameda/ California Legislative Information Find the text of any California bill or law at this official State of California Web site. Click on “California Law” to search any or all of the 29 California codes. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/ California Courts Self-Help Web site The state’s judicial branch offers an excellent and comprehensive source of practical legal information and forms. http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/ California Public Law Libraries: Ask the Law Librarian Several public law libraries in California participate in this online service, which helps people find free resources that may assist them with their legal questions or problems. The law librarians do not provide legal advice. http://www.247ref.org/portal/access_law3.cfm Community Legal Access Service Site (CLASS) A free legal self-help center in Berkeley offering weekly counseling sessions open to the public. Session hours are currently Mondays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., but may change (call ahead of time to confirm). 3130 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley (510) 548-4064 Department of Fair Employment and Housing The DFEH has the authority to investigate complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and hate violence. 1515 Clay Street, Suite 701, Oakland (510) 622-2945 http://www.dfeh.ca.gov/complaints/Default.aspx
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES East Bay Community Law Center Provides legal services to East Bay low-income and homeless residents in the areas of housing, welfare, HIV & health, homelessness and economic development. 2921 Adeline Street, Berkeley (510) 548-4040 http://www.ebclc.org/ International Institute of the East Bay A nonprofit serving as a resource for immigrants and refugees, the IIEB offers immigration legal services (including a free immigration information clinic) and a training and employment program for immigrants and refugees. 449 15th Street, Suite 201, Oakland (510) 451-2846 http://www.iieb.org/ La Raza Centro Legal Offers free legal assistance to low-income residents throughout Northern California in specific areas of wage and hour claims, employment discrimination, senior citizen legal assistance, and immigration and naturalization. 474 Valencia St., Suite 295, San Francisco (415) 575-3500 http://www.lrcl.org/ Law Center for Families Offers free and sliding scale services for low income Alameda County families in the areas of family law, housing rights, consumer law, and public benefits. 510 16th Street, Suite 300, Oakland (510) 451-9261 http://www.lcff.org Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights This nonprofit agency provides assistance and referrals for claims related to race discrimination. 131 Steuart St., Suite 400, San Francisco (415) 543-9444 http://www.lccr.com/ Lawyers in the Library: Berkeley A program that offers free legal advice in areas such as employment, consumer, landlord/tenant, and family law, and provides referrals as needed. Call branches in advance to confirm dates and times. • North Branch, 1170 The Alameda (510-981-6250): 1st Thursday of the month, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. • South Branch, 1901 Russell St. (510-981-6260): 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. (510-981-6280): 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. • West Branch, 1125 University Ave. (510-981-6270): 4th Thursday of the month, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES Lawyers in the Library: Oakland Like the Berkeley program, this free service offers guidance and referrals. Sessions are typically from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., with signups beginning at 5:00 p.m. and clients chosen by lottery at 5:45 p.m. Call in advance to confirm dates and times (phone numbers for each branch are listed on the Web site). http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/services/lawyers.html Lawyer Referral Service – Alameda County Bar Association The local Bar Association provides referrals to private attorneys who have been screened for their expertise in whatever area of law applies to your situation. There is a $30 fee for the referral, and it includes a 30-minute phone consultation with the referred attorney. No fee is charged for cases related to personal injury or worker’s compensation. (510) 302-2222 http://www.acbanet.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.contentdetail&id=8786 Legal Forms Numerous online resources can provide the legal forms you may need. The California Courts self-help Web site has forms in PDF format (http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/forms/). In addition, you can fill out court forms online for Family Law, Small Claims, Guardianship and Unlawful Detainer using the “EZ Legal File” service provided by the California Superior Court: http://www.ezlegalfile.com Protection & Advocacy, Inc. (Disability Rights) A disability rights organization that supports disabled individuals throughout California with information, advocacy, and – in some cases – individual representation. 1330 Broadway, Suite 500, Oakland (510) 267-1200 http://www.pai-ca.org/index.htm Small Claims Court Information There are numerous free resources to help you properly prepare file your small claims court action. The Wiley Manuel Self-Help Center (more information listed below) offers in-person and phone assistance with small claims matters. Online resources include: • California Courts Small Claims Self-Help Info: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/ • Alameda County Superior Court Small Claims Web site: http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/courts/divs/small/ • California Department of Consumer Affairs Small Claims Court Guide: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/small_claims/index.shtml • California Business Search: http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/list.html If you’re suing a company and need to find the person to “serve” with notice of the lawsuit, go to this Web site and enter the name of the business to find its location and the name of the agent for service of process.
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES Volunteer Legal Services Corporation As part of the Alameda County Bar Association, the VLSC offers numerous free legal clinics to low-income Alameda County residents (at or below 125% of federal poverty income guidelines), available by appointment. Call several weeks in advance to reserve open slots – the clinics fill up quickly. The VLSC also offers referrals to pro bono attorneys for individuals who qualify (most referred matters are family lawrelated). The VLSC will not assist in civil lawsuits for money. 70 Washington Street, Suite 200, Oakland (510) 302-2222 http://www.acbanet.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.contentdetail&id=8789 Wiley Manuel Self-Help Center This center, located at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, provides individual information and assistance with small claims, family law, restraining orders, and guardianship of the person. The center also offers free weekly legal clinics covering numerous topics. Clinics include (call to confirm days and times): • Low Income Eviction Project (Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) • Family Law workshop (provided by Family Law Facilitator, Wednesdays 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.) • Family Law Clinic (provided by VLSC, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of month, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., appointments must be made through VLSC by calling 302-2222) • Criminal Records Remedies (Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.) • Guardianship Workshop (Tuesdays, twice per month, call (510) 690-2501 to make an appointment) • Debt Collection Defense (3rd Thursday each month, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., appointments must be made through VLSC by calling 302-2222) • Divorce Clinic (2nd Friday each month 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., appointments must be made through VLSC by calling 302-2222) • Family Law Judgments (Fridays 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) The Self-Help Center also answers questions about Small Claims court over the phone on Mondays from 1:30 – 4:00pm and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 661 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Oakland (510) 690-2501 (calls answered only from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.) http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp/ Worker’s Rights Clinic Sponsored by the San Francisco Legal Aid Society Employment Law Center (http://www.las-elc.org/comserv.html), this weekly clinic offers guidance to lowincome residents with work-related problems such as denial of wages, discrimination, work and safety issues, unemployment benefits, and harassment or wrongful termination. East Bay Clinic Information: http://www.ebclc.org/workersRights.php
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES
Family Law, Domestic Violence, and Restraining Order Assistance
Alameda County Family Justice Center A one-stop center for families dealing with domestic violence that provides numerous services, including legal assistance with restraining orders. 470 27th Street, Oakland (510) 267-8800 http://www.acfjc.org/ Family Law Information Center (also known as the Family Law Facilitator) This department of the Superior Court provides procedural information, referrals, and assistance with cases involving the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS). Workshops available by appointment include: • Seeking orders: child support and related issues • Starting a paternity action • Starting a divorce when there are children 1225 Fallon Street, Room 240, Oakland (510) 208-4969 (Phone assistance is only available Mon-Thurs, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.) http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/courts/divs/family/familylaw.shtml Family Violence Law Center Provides family law attorney services to victims of domestic violence. Services include civil restraining orders, child custody/visitation/support, divorce, and victim assistance. (510) 208-0220 (business line) (510) 208-0255 (crisis line) http://www.fvlc.org
Landlord-Tenant/Housing Rights Resources Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board If you live in Berkeley, the Rent Board has an online "Tenant Reference Kit" that includes FAQs discussing many common landlord-tenant issues: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=9268. The Rent Board also has counselors who will answer general questions about tenant rights and responsibilities (though they will not provide legal advice), and also offers mediation services. 2125 Milvia Street, Berkeley (510) 981-7368 http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/DepartmentHome.aspx?id=9546 California Tenants Guide: Department of Consumer Affairs An overview of the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords in California. http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/index.shtml
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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Campus Life and Leadership
UC Berkeley
Student Legal Services COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES City of Oakland Tenant Information Oakland’s Rent Adjustment Program offers details about the requirements for landlords to raise rent and evict tenants: http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/hcd/rentboard/tenant.html Eviction Defense Center The Eviction Defense Center is a local nonprofit that offers legal guidance to tenants who have been served with a legal complaint or summons related to their tenancy. 1611 Telegraph Avenue #726, Oakland (510) 452-4541 Housing Code Enforcement Program: City of Berkeley Berkeley’s City Code Enforcement Program may be able to assist you if your residence is not in compliance with building codes. Tenants can request an inspection of their residence, which typically occurs within 10 days. 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley (510) 981-5444 http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=4152 Housing Rights, Inc. Supports equal access to housing by providing housing rights counseling, mediation, and investigation of housing discrimination. Web site includes several self-advocacy materials, such as a repair and deduct packet and a tenant logbook. 1966 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley (510) 548-8776 http://www.housingrights.org/ Renter’s Rights A collaboration between Housing Rights, Inc. and the East Bay Community Law Center, Renter’s Rights provides information about renter’s rights and offers selfadvocacy tools for tenants to protect those rights. It includes the “Repair and Deduct Project,” which offers telephone counseling for tenants in need of home repairs: call (800) 806-8111 for assistance. http://www.rentersrights.info/
DISCLAIMER: Student Legal Services does not endorse or warrant the services provided by any of the organizations listed, nor does it warrant the currency of the information contained in this list.
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