Volunteer Legal Services

The Alameda County Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Services Corporation (VLSC) provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in Alameda County with certain non-criminal legal issues. Volunteer attorneys provide all the legal work on a pro bono basis. Click here for VLSC's Brochure.

What Kinds of Cases Can VLSC Handle?

VLSC offers two types of service: clinics and referrals to attorneys.

Clinics
We have clinics available for advice and the preparation of legal documents.

Current clinics include:

• Dissolution of marriage
• General family law advice
• Custody, visitation, and support
• Debt collection defense
• Guardianship
• Immigration/citizenship
• Low-income landlord eviction assistance

Referrals to Attorneys
For certain types of cases, and for cases that the clinics cannot handle, the VLSC operates a referral service for pro bono representation (the attorney won't charge a fee).

Approximately eighty percent of the cases are family-related, including domestic violence, divorce, custody, guardianship, and adoption. The remainder involve probate, property, consumer issues (including debt collection defense and bankruptcy), and aid to qualifying nonprofit agencies.

VLSC cannot help you sue someone for money. If you wish to do that, contact the Lawyer Referral Service.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for VLSC?

VLSC's income guidelines are bases on the current figures equivalent to 75% of income for lower income households. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50079.5(a) and Business and Professions Code Section 6213(d), income limits have been established by the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development. For example, a family of four must earn less than $49,688 to qualify for VLSC services. When you call VLSC, we will ask you for some information and, if you qualify, we will do our best to help you with your problem.

How Can I Contact VLSC?

Please call VLSC at (510) 302-2222 for more information or to seek legal assistance.  

Note: Telephone service only. Due to limited staff resources and security issues, we are not able to accept walk-in requests for assistance.

Useful Links

2009 Legal Services Directory
Lawyer Referral Service
California Court Info
Helplink
Eden Information and Referral
Alameda County Superior Court Self-Help Services
East Bay Community Law Center
LawHelpCalifornia.org