Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is an organization in Los Angeles, CA offering crisis services, education, employment, financial, food, healthcare, housing, legal, and veteran services. Provides free civil legal help to eligible people and families facing barriers to justice.
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Services
- Crisis services, Education, Employment, Financial, Food, Healthcare, Housing, Legal, Veteran services
- Website
- https://lafla.org/
Services
Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance
LAFLA advocates for tenants through eviction defense and unlawful detainer proceedings. Services include counsel and advice on housing issues, preparing answers to eviction lawsuits, trial preparation for self-represented tenants, and court representation. Staff also assist with subsidized housing problems, tenant harassment, and court-ordered habitability repairs.
Eligibility: Assists income-eligible tenants. LAFLA generally follows federal poverty guidelines and assists individuals with household income under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines (or up to 200% under certain circumstances).
Application: Tenants can visit stayhousedla.org or call (888) 694-0040. For Section 8 or public housing authority issues, call LAFLA at 800-399-4529.
Domestic Violence and Family Law
Assists domestic violence survivors with family law matters to help them leave abusive relationships. Services include domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs), divorce/dissolution, child custody, child concealment, visitation, paternity, and child support, as well as on-site assistance at courthouse clinics.
Application: Call LAFLA at 800-399-4529 (ext. 8097 for domestic violence hotline) or attend a walk-in clinic.
Schedule: Walk-in clinics operate at the Downtown LA (Toll) and Long Beach Courthouses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m., and at the Santa Monica Courthouse on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30–11:00 a.m. Domestic violence hotline hours are Fridays 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m.
Self-Help Legal Access Centers
Provides legal information, court forms, and procedural guides to self-represented litigants in unlawful detainer (evictions), family law (divorce, child custody), and restraining order proceedings within the Los Angeles Superior Court system.
Eligibility: Assists self-represented litigants of any income level.
Application: Walk in at courthouse self-help centers during open intake hours or call the self-help hotline at 213-235-0060.
Veterans Justice Center
Assists low-income military veterans and eligible family members across Los Angeles County regardless of discharge status, length of service, or era. Services include obtaining VA benefits, income and food benefits, addressing housing and landlord problems, resolving Section 8 and HUD-VASH issues, record expungement, citation resolution, driver's license reinstatement, discharge upgrades, and student loan cancellations.
Eligibility: Serves low-income veterans and qualifying family members throughout Los Angeles County, regardless of military discharge status, length, or era of service.
Application: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Record Clearing and Expungement
Helps individuals remove criminal record barriers to employment and housing. Services include comprehensive criminal record clearing through expungement petitions (dismissals), Proposition 47 petitions, felony and misdemeanor reductions, early termination of probation, and assistance with Fair Chance hiring and background check violations.
Application: Call 800-399-4529 or apply online for screening and registration. For Whittier appointments, call 562-261-5611.
Schedule: Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center: 2nd Monday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (by appointment). LATTC WorkSource Center: 1st Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (walk-ins welcome). Southeast LA WorkSource Center (Watts): 3rd Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Virtual expungement clinic: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Government Benefits Advocacy
Helps low-income individuals and families obtain or restore subsistence public benefits, including CalWORKs, Foster Care, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), CAPI, CalFresh (food stamps), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and General Relief.
Eligibility: Assists low-income individuals and families generally earning under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines (or under 200% under select exceptions).
Application: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
Employment Law
Helps income-eligible workers assert workplace rights and obtain financial stability. Services include recovering unpaid wages and overtime, securing unemployment insurance benefits, and providing legal advice regarding employment discrimination, workplace harassment, retaliation, and medical or disability leave rights.
Eligibility: Services are provided to income-eligible, low-income workers.
Application: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
Immigration and Torture Survivors Project
Provides immigration legal assistance to adults and minors who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, torture, persecution, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. Services include asylum, removal defense, adjustment of status (green cards), naturalization, and family reunification.
Application: Call 800-399-4529 for an appointment or apply online.
Schedule: Immigration Advice for Victims of Crime clinic is held at the Long Beach Office on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m. (by appointment only).
Medical-Legal Partnerships
Collaborates with healthcare providers across Los Angeles County to provide patients with free legal advice, consultations, and direct representation on civil legal issues affecting health, such as housing conditions, denied benefits, employment problems, and domestic violence.
Application: Medical teams refer patients to LAFLA attorneys; telephone intakes and clinic contacts include Black Health Initiative (213-640-3975), Coastal Health Centers (562-753-2291), Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center (213-640-3811), Rancho Los Amigos (323-801-7954), and TCC Family Clinic (562-264-4601).
Asian Pacific Islander Community Outreach Project
Delivers linguistically and culturally accessible civil legal assistance across LAFLA practice areas to Asian and Pacific Islander individuals who do not speak English as their primary language, offering community legal clinics and dedicated language phone lines.
Schedule: General Legal Clinic in Korean is held at Korean American Family Services on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 2–4 p.m. (by appointment only).
Languages: Operates dedicated Asian-language telephone lines in Mandarin/Cantonese (323-801-7912), Filipino (323-801-7979), Khmer/Cambodian (562-304-2535), Korean (323-801-7987), Japanese (323-801-7913), and Vietnamese (323-801-7923), alongside English and Spanish (800-399-4529).
Student Loan Issues
Helps clients who cannot afford student loan payments, have defaulted on student loans, or have attended predatory for-profit colleges. Staff provide advice, assist with discharge or loan cancellation applications (including closed school and disability discharges), and provide legal representation in repayment suits.
Application: Call LAFLA to apply at 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., or apply online.
Nonprofit Assistance and Small Business Program
Assists community-based nonprofits and small businesses located in disinvested areas of Los Angeles. Legal support includes nonprofit incorporation, tax-exempt status, governance, real estate documents, commercial lease negotiation, contracts, trademark/intellectual property issues, and ADA compliance.
Eligibility: Serves small businesses in disinvested areas of Los Angeles and nonprofit organizations that increase economic, educational, and wellness opportunities or prevent displacement.
Locations
- Ron Olson Justice Center, 1550 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90017 — Open to walk-ins Monday – Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- East Los Angeles Office, 5228 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90022 — Open to walk-ins Mondays – Fridays | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- South Los Angeles Office, 7000 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90003 — Open to walk-ins Monday – Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Long Beach Office, 601 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90802 — Open to walk-ins Monday – Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Santa Monica Office, 1149 3rd St. #300, Santa Monica, CA, 90403 — Open to walk-ins Monday – Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Toll Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic, 111 N. Hill St., Room 216, Los Angeles, CA, 90012 — Superior Court, Central District (2nd floor). Open to walk-ins Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m. First-come, first-served; recommended arrival by 9 a.m.
- Long Beach Courthouse Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic, 275 Magnolia Ave., Rm. 1004, Long Beach, CA, 90802 — Superior Court, South District (1st floor). Open to walk-ins Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m. First-come, first-served; recommended arrival by 9 a.m.
- Santa Monica Courthouse Domestic Violence Clinic, 1725 Main St., Room 121, Santa Monica, CA, 90401 — Superior Court, West District (1st floor). Open to walk-ins Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
- Black Health Initiative (Inglewood Health Center), 905 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood, CA, 90302 — Onsite Hours: Thursdays | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Phone Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am – 5 pm.
- Community Medical Wellness Centers – Annex Building, 1360 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90813 — Hours: Thursdays | 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. & 2–4:30 p.m.
- Inglewood Courthouse Self-Help Legal Access Center, 1 E Regent St., Room 107, Inglewood, CA, 90301 — Open Monday – Friday | 9:00 am–12:00 pm; and Monday – Thursday | 1:30–4:00 pm. No new intakes accepted after 12:00 pm or 4:00 pm.
- Long Beach Courthouse Self-Help Legal Access Center, 275 Magnolia Ave., Rm. 3101, Long Beach, CA, 90802 — Superior Court, South District. Open Monday – Friday | 8:30 am–12:00 pm; and Monday – Thursday | 1:00–4:00 pm.
- Santa Monica Courthouse Self-Help Legal Access Center, 1725 Main St., Room 210, Santa Monica, CA, 90401 — Superior Court, West District. Open Monday – Friday | 8:30 am–12:00 pm; and Monday – Thursday | 1:30–4:00 pm. No new intakes accepted after 12:00 pm or 4:00 pm.
- Torrance Courthouse Self-Help Legal Access Center, 825 Maple Ave., Room 160, Torrance, CA, 90503 — Open Monday – Friday | 8:30 am–12:00 pm; and Monday – Thursday | 1:00–4:00 pm.
- Korean American Family Services, 3727 W. 6th St., #320, Los Angeles, CA, 90020 — 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 2–4 p.m. By appointment only, no walk-ins available. Call 213-389-6755 for an appointment.
- Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center, 7639 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA, 90602 — In-person and appointment-only. Call (562) 261-5611 for appointments. Expungement Clinic: 2nd Monday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Name & Gender Identifier Change: 4th Monday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
- LATTC WorkSource Center, 400 W. Washington Blvd., C2-106, Los Angeles, CA, 90015 — First Tuesday of the Month, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Walk-Ins Welcome! Located at The Tom Bradley Center for Student Life, C2-106.
- Southeast LA WorkSource Center, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90059 — Located at Watts Labor Community Action Committee. Third Tuesday of the Month, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Questions
What does Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offer?
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offers Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance, Domestic Violence and Family Law, Self-Help Legal Access Centers, Veterans Justice Center, Record Clearing and Expungement, Government Benefits Advocacy, Employment Law, Immigration and Torture Survivors Project, Medical-Legal Partnerships, Asian Pacific Islander Community Outreach Project, Student Loan Issues, and Nonprofit Assistance and Small Business Program.
Where is Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles?
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is at 1550 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, 5228 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90022, 7000 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90003, 601 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90802, 1149 3rd St. #300, Santa Monica, CA, 90403, 111 N. Hill St., Room 216, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, 275 Magnolia Ave., Rm. 1004, Long Beach, CA, 90802, 1725 Main St., Room 121, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, 905 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood, CA, 90302, 1360 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90813, 1 E Regent St., Room 107, Inglewood, CA, 90301, 275 Magnolia Ave., Rm. 3101, Long Beach, CA, 90802, 1725 Main St., Room 210, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, 825 Maple Ave., Room 160, Torrance, CA, 90503, 3727 W. 6th St., #320, Los Angeles, CA, 90020, 7639 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA, 90602, 400 W. Washington Blvd., C2-106, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, and 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90059.
How do I contact Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles?
To reach Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, visit https://lafla.org/.
Who is eligible for Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance?
Eligibility for Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance: Assists income-eligible tenants. LAFLA generally follows federal poverty guidelines and assists individuals with household income under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines (or up to 200% under certain circumstances).
How do I apply for Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance?
Application for Eviction Defense and Housing Assistance: Tenants can visit stayhousedla.org or call (888) 694-0040. For Section 8 or public housing authority issues, call LAFLA at 800-399-4529.
When is Domestic Violence and Family Law available?
Schedule for Domestic Violence and Family Law: Walk-in clinics operate at the Downtown LA (Toll) and Long Beach Courthouses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m., and at the Santa Monica Courthouse on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30–11:00 a.m. Domestic violence hotline hours are Fridays 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m.
How do I apply for Domestic Violence and Family Law?
Application for Domestic Violence and Family Law: Call LAFLA at 800-399-4529 (ext. 8097 for domestic violence hotline) or attend a walk-in clinic.
Who is eligible for Self-Help Legal Access Centers?
Eligibility for Self-Help Legal Access Centers: Assists self-represented litigants of any income level.
How do I apply for Self-Help Legal Access Centers?
Application for Self-Help Legal Access Centers: Walk in at courthouse self-help centers during open intake hours or call the self-help hotline at 213-235-0060.
Who is eligible for Veterans Justice Center?
Eligibility for Veterans Justice Center: Serves low-income veterans and qualifying family members throughout Los Angeles County, regardless of military discharge status, length, or era of service.
How do I apply for Veterans Justice Center?
Application for Veterans Justice Center: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
When is Record Clearing and Expungement available?
Schedule for Record Clearing and Expungement: Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center: 2nd Monday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (by appointment). LATTC WorkSource Center: 1st Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (walk-ins welcome). Southeast LA WorkSource Center (Watts): 3rd Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Virtual expungement clinic: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
How do I apply for Record Clearing and Expungement?
Application for Record Clearing and Expungement: Call 800-399-4529 or apply online for screening and registration. For Whittier appointments, call 562-261-5611.
Who is eligible for Government Benefits Advocacy?
Eligibility for Government Benefits Advocacy: Assists low-income individuals and families generally earning under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines (or under 200% under select exceptions).
How do I apply for Government Benefits Advocacy?
Application for Government Benefits Advocacy: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
Who is eligible for Employment Law?
Eligibility for Employment Law: Services are provided to income-eligible, low-income workers.
How do I apply for Employment Law?
Application for Employment Law: Apply online or call 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
When is Immigration and Torture Survivors Project available?
Schedule for Immigration and Torture Survivors Project: Immigration Advice for Victims of Crime clinic is held at the Long Beach Office on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m. (by appointment only).
How do I apply for Immigration and Torture Survivors Project?
Application for Immigration and Torture Survivors Project: Call 800-399-4529 for an appointment or apply online.
How do I apply for Medical-Legal Partnerships?
Application for Medical-Legal Partnerships: Medical teams refer patients to LAFLA attorneys; telephone intakes and clinic contacts include Black Health Initiative (213-640-3975), Coastal Health Centers (562-753-2291), Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center (213-640-3811), Rancho Los Amigos (323-801-7954), and TCC Family Clinic (562-264-4601).
When is Asian Pacific Islander Community Outreach Project available?
Schedule for Asian Pacific Islander Community Outreach Project: General Legal Clinic in Korean is held at Korean American Family Services on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 2–4 p.m. (by appointment only).
How do I apply for Student Loan Issues?
Application for Student Loan Issues: Call LAFLA to apply at 800-399-4529 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., or apply online.
Who is eligible for Nonprofit Assistance and Small Business Program?
Eligibility for Nonprofit Assistance and Small Business Program: Serves small businesses in disinvested areas of Los Angeles and nonprofit organizations that increase economic, educational, and wellness opportunities or prevent displacement.
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