Law

Berkeley Police Department 1908
Berkeley Police Department 1908

Use our online law resources, free with your library card. Our collection offers both print and ebook titles, including many from Berkeley's own Nolo Press.

Law Libraries

Law libraries are open to anyone with legal questions.

Each county in California is required to have a law library available for use by the general public.

  • Bernard E. Witkin - Alameda County Public Law Library
    This county legal library is open to all. All resources are available for in-library use. Alameda County residents, 18 and over, may borrow circulating materials with deposit.
  • Boalt Hall Law Library
    This academic law library is open to the public for in-house legal research except during peak pre-exam times.
  • California Law Libraries
    Find public law libraries around California using the links on this website by the Council of California County law Librarians.

Free and Low-Cost Legal Assistance

Do you have a legal question, or are seeking legal information or local referral? Berkeley Public Library maintains a listing of local legal resources on various topics, including:

  • General Services and Assistance
  • Law Libraries
  • Mediation 
  • Children and Youth
  • Civil Rights
  • Disability Rights 
  • Domestic Violence 
  • Health and Medical
  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Immigration and Naturalization
  • LGBTQIA Rights
  • Native American Legal Support
  • Prisoners and Prisons
  • Seniors
  • Veterans 
  • Workers' Rights
  • Women's rights

VIEW THE LEGAL RESOURCES LISTING

Additionally, the California courts have gathered information about free and low-cost legal assistance available from the courts and other agencies. Legal aid societies provide free legal advice, representation, and other legal services in noncriminal cases to the economically disadvantaged. The societies are located in most major metropolitan areas throughout the state.

Legal Self Help Online

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  • California Courts Self-Help Center
    The California Courts Online Self-Help Center is can help you find assistance and information, work better with an attorney, and represent yourself in some legal matters. topics include small claims, divorce, domestic violence, conservatorship, traffic, landlord/tenant law, and others.
  • Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California
    Este sitio Web le ayudará a encontrar ayuda e información, trabajar mejor con un abogado y en algunos asuntos legales le ayudará a representarse a sí mismo.
  • Alameda County Superior Court: Representing Yourself
    This self-help center from the  Alameda County Superior Court is useful for people with legal issues all over California, but will be particularly helpful if you are here in Alameda County.
  • LawHelpCalifornia.org
    LawHelpCalifornia is a guide to free and low-cost legal aid, assistance, and services throughout California.
  • WomensLaw.org
    This website is run by a nonprofit group of lawyers, teachers, advocates and web designers and focuses on self-help for women who are victims of domestic violence.

Business Legal Assistance

  • The Berkeley Office of Economic Development
    The Berkeley Office of Economic Development offers Berkeley businesses personal assistance with choosing a location, licenses and regulations, demographic research, financing and special opportunities, and community associations.
  • Starting a Business in Berkeley
    An online guide to the legal and regulatory process of starting a business in Berkeley, from Berkeley's Office of Economic Development.
  • The California Secretary of State
    The California Secretary of State licenses and regulates California businesses, and offers information on other state agencies affecting businesses.
  • Small Business Administration
    The Small Business Administration provides information on federal business assistance and regulations.
  • CalGOLD
    CalGOLD has an interactive guide to all California state, county, and local licensing requirements for businesses.

Legal Information Reference Center

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Access free legal information including:

  • Accident Claims
  • Bankruptcy
  • Buying a House
  • Divorce
  • Getting a Green Card
  • Human Resources
  • Living Trusts
  • Patents
  • Personal Injury
  • Rental Agreements
  • Selling a House
  • Wills

Includes access to many full-text Nolo books! Also, download and print free Federal and State legal forms.