FAQs

Yes. When using the Hotline please use the menu to select your preferred language. If your language is not available, we partner with Voiance to provide an interpreter for you. We also partner with qualified sign-language interpreting services to provide sign-language interpretation.

You can call our Hotline at 714-571-5200 or 800-834-5001 or apply online. You may also reach our individual offices here.

Please call the Hotline at 800-834-5001 for an official eligibility screening or apply online. Eligibility is dependent on a number of things:

  • Income: Generally, clients must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
  • Assets: For those between 125% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, an asset limit of $50,000 per individual and $5,000 per each additional household member is generally imposed.
  • Area of Residence: We provide assistance to residents of Orange County and the following cities in Southeast Los Angeles County: Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Carson (some areas), Cerritos, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Hollydale, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate, Walnut Park and Willowbrook.

We serve all of Orange County. Through our office in Los Angeles, we also serve Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Carson (some areas), Cerritos, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Hollydale, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Paramount, South Gate, Walnut Park and Willowbrook.

Some of our programs may provide assistance to those outside of our service area.

We provide support and representation on civil cases. We do not assist with criminal or business cases.
Yes, seniors in Orange County (60+) may qualify for assistance through our OC Senior Citizens Legal Advocacy Program. We also offer an Elder Abuse Clinic.
Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we are unable to provide same-day appointments.

No. If you need help, please call our Hotline 800-834-5001 and speak to a representative who can help determine how best to handle your case, apply online, or visit Legal Resolutions Center and OC Small Claims Advisory Center.

Please contact 211OC for a list of various community services. If you are working with one of our staff attorneys they can also direct you to additional services.

No, the Public Defender practices criminal law only. We do not practice criminal law. More information about the Public Defender can be found on their Orange County and Los Angeles websites.

We always welcome volunteers, pro bono attorneys, donations, and partnerships. Please call Monica Mar, Director of Pro Bono, at 714-571-5299. Thank you for your support!

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can reach us on our Hotline Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM.

In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, we contract with a sign-language interpreting service for our clients. Interpreters can be scheduled in advance for office appointments.