About Us

How We Work

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Direct Services

Our team provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families,  and our communities as they pursue justice.

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Policy Advocacy

We address the root causes of inequities in our society by advocating for inclusive policy solutions in collaboration with grassroots coalitions and the communities most impacted by systemic oppression.

Learn More

Impact Litigation

Our team provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families,  and our communities as they pursue justice.

Learn More

Pro Bono Partnerships

Since its inception, Public Counsel has relied upon the generous donation of pro bono services from lawyers, legal professionals, and law students as the keystone for our model of delivering free legal services to low-income communities.

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Resource Library

Popular Resources

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FAQsGuide

01/13/26

Medical and Dental Credit Cards—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do you need medical or dental care but can’t afford it? Are you thinking about making payments or signing up for credit? Be careful! Medical or dental credit cards can...

Learn More

Guide

01/08/26

What courses must I take to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

All individuals who file a chapter 7 bankruptcy must take two courses to receive a discharge of their debts: Credit Counseling and Personal Financial Management. This guide will help you...

Learn More

Template

01/08/26

Pleading Paper Caption Page

If there isn’t a court form for what you need to file in your bankruptcy case, you will need to write your own court papers on pleading paper. The first...

Learn More

How We Work

See All

Direct Services

Our team provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families,  and our communities as they pursue justice.

Learn More

Policy Advocacy

We address the root causes of inequities in our society by advocating for inclusive policy solutions in collaboration with grassroots coalitions and the communities most impacted by systemic oppression.

Learn More

Impact Litigation

Our team provides free direct legal services and support or matches clients with pro bono advocates, ensuring they have a partner standing with them, their families,  and our communities as they pursue justice.

Learn More

Pro Bono Partnerships

Since its inception, Public Counsel has relied upon the generous donation of pro bono services from lawyers, legal professionals, and law students as the keystone for our model of delivering free legal services to low-income communities.

Learn More

Popular Resources

See All

FAQsGuide

01/13/26

Medical and Dental Credit Cards—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do you need medical or dental care but can’t afford it? Are you thinking about making payments or signing up for credit? Be careful! Medical or dental credit cards can...

Learn More

Guide

01/08/26

What courses must I take to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

All individuals who file a chapter 7 bankruptcy must take two courses to receive a discharge of their debts: Credit Counseling and Personal Financial Management. This guide will help you...

Learn More

Template

01/08/26

Pleading Paper Caption Page

If there isn’t a court form for what you need to file in your bankruptcy case, you will need to write your own court papers on pleading paper. The first...

Learn More

Federal Court

Overview

ABOUT THE CLINIC

Are you thinking about filing a case in federal court? Are you already representing yourself as a plaintiff or defendant in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and need legal advice? Public Counsel’s Federal Pro Se Clinic can provide free legal assistance to people representing themselves in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

  • The Clinic can:
    • Provide guidance about how to prepare federal court documents.
    • Provide legal advice on civil procedure in the Central District of California.
    • Supply forms and guides to help you navigate litigating or defending a case in federal court.
  • The Clinic cannot:
    • Assist with criminal, bankruptcy, habeas, appeals, or any state cases.
    • Provide representation in court.
    • Find an attorney to represent you.

To request our services and make an appointment:

To request assistance through the Federal Pro Se Clinic, click the button below for our online intake, or call our message and info line and leave a detailed message: (213) 385-2977 ext. 270 

Apply for Services

Clinic Walk-In Hours:

The Clinic has walk-in hours on Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

The Clinic is located on the terrace level of the Roybal Courthouse and Federal Building at 255 East Temple St., Suite 170, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Virtual Walk-In Hours:

The Clinic is offering a limited virtual walk-in hours on the following dates:

  • January 22, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
  • January 29, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that the Clinic has limited availability and that all walk-ins may be limited to 10-15 minutes each.

All walk-ins will be required to complete an online intake application prior to their appointment. Please complete the intake by clicking on the blue “Apply for Services” button before joining the Zoom meeting using the link below.

Click here to join Virtual Walk-In Hours Zoom Meeting

––> You can also consult our forms and guides (here) for answers to some common legal questions.

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