The Federal Legal Assistance and Pro Bono Project provides free legal help to anyone who is currently representing him or herself in, or considering filing, a non-prisoner civil case before the San Francisco or Oakland divisions of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.  We can not assist with state or municipal court matters.

At our Legal Help Center in the federal courthouse, we hold appointments to provide information about federal court procedures, legal advice, referrals to social, governmental, or other legal services, help finding attorneys, and limited-scope legal assistance.  In special circumstances, the Court may refer a litigant to us for placement with pro bono legal counsel, but in general we can not provide full legal representation.

Services are provided by appointment only.  Litigants may sign up in the appointment book located outside the Legal Help Center or call 415.782.9000 x 8657.  Calls may not be returned immediately, so to sign up for an appointment as soon as possible, sign up in the appointment book.