Legal Organization & Resources

Resources for Self-Represented Litigants

You do not have the right to a free attorney in a civil case, even if you cannot afford an attorney. If you start a civil case without an attorney, you should be prepared to pursue it to completion on your own. In very rare cases, the Court may appoint an attorney to assist with a civil case.

Finding Legal Help and Legal Representation

You may, in limited circumstances, access free legal help through a legal organization or pro bono attorney. This depends on the program available. The Court will not facilitate this for you. Some organizations and clinics are listed below.

These are not affiliated with the Court and the Court makes no representations regarding the following.

• The State Bar of California – San Diego and Imperial Valley Pro Bono Directory
• California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
• California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA)
• Casa Cornelia Law Center
• Disability Rights Legal Center
• Elder Law & Advocacy
• Legal Aid Society of San Diego
• San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
• Southern California Immigration Project
• University of San Diego School of Law Legal Clinics
• California Western School of Law Community Law Project
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law Legal Assistance Clinics

There are also resources and referral services to connect you with an attorney. Some of these services offer consultations with attorneys at reduced rates. Some attorneys are paid through contingency fees, which means that they are only paid if you win your case.

• The State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Services
• San Diego County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Services

Self-Help Resources

You may be able to obtain resources for help in representing yourself, such as navigating rules and doing legal research through the law library or other legal aid organizations. See our self-help document on Navigating Rules and Research .