Free Consumer Legal Information Pamphlets from The California State Bar
Many consumers can get their legal questions answered by reviewing free legal information pamphlets offered by the California State Bar.
We hope you find this information useful. Please note that the purpose of these pamphlets is to provide general information on the law, which is subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult a lawyer.
How Can I Find and Hire the Right Lawyer?
Tips on hiring a lawyer, where to go to find one, what should be in a fee agreement, finding the best match for a client’s needs and more
What Should I Do If I Have An Auto Accident?
The information you should gather at the accident scene as well as reporting requirements and what to do if someone is injured
How Do I Use The Small Claims Court?
An explanation of what small claims court is, money limits for taking a case to small claims court, how to file a claim and more
How Can I Resolve My Dispute Without A Trial?
The advantages and disadvantages of staying away from court by using Alternative Dispute Resolution
What Should I Know If I Am Arrested?
Learn about a person’s rights when arrested, the definition of bail and how it is set, warrants, the difference between arraignments and preliminary hearings
What Can I Do If I Can’t Pay My Debts?
Should you consider filing for bankruptcy? Do you just need more time to get your finances in order? Tips for the overextended
What Should I Know About Divorce And Custody?
The rules of divorce. Different methods of getting a divorce. Annulment versus divorce. Spousal support and more
Can The Law Help Protect Me From Domestic Violence?
Just what does the law consider domestic violence? What can I do if I am a victim? What is the effect of a restraining order? And more
What Should I Know Before I Rent?
If you’re a renter you need to know when your landlord can come into your home, whether the owner can lock you out, owners’ rights and more
Can The Client Security Fund Help You?
Applying for reimbursement when you lose money because of a lawyer’s dishonest conduct
What Should I Do If I Am A Crime Victim?
This pamphlet goes from the first step of reporting a crime to seeking restitution or following the case to its final outcome
What Should I Know About Serving on a Jury?
Jury service is a rare opportunity to make a difference. Learn how the system works and the obligations of you and your employer
What Can I Do If I Have A Problem With My Lawyer?
Find out what’s expected of you and your lawyer and what your options are if you have a problem with the bill or representation
Do I Need A Will?
In conjunction with Do I Need a Living Trust? and Do I Need Estate Planning? this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets
Do I Need Estate Planning?
In conjunction with Do I Need a Living Trust? and Do I Need a Will? this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets
Do I Need A Living Trust?
In conjunction with “Do I Need a Will?” and “Do I Need Estate Planning? “ this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets
What Are My Rights As An Employee?
Can you review your personnel file? What can an employer ask and not ask at a job interview? Can you use sick leave to care for a child? These and other answers in this pamphlet
What Can a Lawyer Referral Service Do For Me?
If you’re looking for a lawyer, a legal referral service is one route to go. Find out what a lawyer referral service is and what it can do for you
How Do I Become A Lawyer?
From learning what lawyers do to choosing a law school, this pamphlet guides would-be attorneys through the initial process
What Should I Know About Elder Abuse?
The growing state and national problem of elder abuse — from financial to physical — is creating new laws as well as new resources
Other Publications
Kids & Law: An A-to-Z Guide for Parents
Addresses a host of issues of interest to parents and kids, from curfews to the Internet
Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians
Resources for the over-60 set
When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers
Learn about the responsibilities teenagers face when they become adults
Guide to Legal Literacy
Where laws come from, the role of the different branches of government, power and function of the courts . . . and more
Legal Health Checklist
A guide to the steps to take when you buy a home, get married, have a baby, turn 18, need a lawyer, want a divorce, and more
The State Bar of California – What Does It Do, How Does It Work?
From the mission of the State Bar to the discipline system, an overview of the State Bar