Federal Pro Se Clinic
Overview
Our Team
Public Counsel’s Federal Pro Se Clinic is staffed by experienced attorneys and legal professionals dedicated to advancing access to justice in the federal court system. Our team is supported by volunteer attorneys and law students who contribute their time and expertise to help self-represented litigants navigate complex legal processes with clarity, respect, and care.
Navigating the federal court system without legal representation can be daunting, especially for those facing urgent legal issues, language barriers, or unfamiliar procedures. Public Counsel’s Federal Pro Se Clinic is committed to providing 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 court procedures, access the necessary legal forms, and provide guidance on how to navigate the system, increasing their chances of successfully asserting their rights in court. Although the majority of the people assisted by the Clinic are plaintiffs, we can also advise defendants in areas such as intellectual property, forfeiture, ADA accessibility, and insurance/interpleader actions.
We offer the following services to individuals representing themselves in federal civil cases:
- Legal Advice: We offer one-on-one consultations to help self-represented litigants understand court procedures, prepare federal court documents, and navigate civil cases in the Central District of California. To view clinic appointment information, visit our services page here.
- PLEASE NOTE: The Clinic does not assist with criminal, bankruptcy, habeas, appeals, or any state cases; does not provide representation in court; and cannot find an attorney to represent you.
- Forms Assistance: We help with filling out and filing the necessary forms required for federal court cases. To view our library of self-help materials, including legal guides and sample forms, click here.
- Instructional Videos & Resources: We provide step-by-step videos that will instruct you on how to fill out common court forms and to use the court’s online docketing system, PACER. To view our YouTube videos, click here.
Publications
Our resource library provides step-by-step guides, sample court forms, and practical tools to help you navigate federal civil cases in the Central District of California — whether you’re filing a complaint, responding to a motion, or preparing for court. See the full library of materials here.
Get Help
Services
Public Counsel’s Federal Pro Se Clinic offers free legal assistance to people representing themselves in civil cases in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. We help litigants understand court procedures, prepare documents, and navigate the legal process more confidently.
Get Help NowYou can request an appointment or visit during walk-in hours every Wednesday at the Roybal Courthouse and Federal Building. To check the calendar for upcoming clinic dates and access guides, sample forms, and instructional videos, visit the clinic’s services page here.
