University of San Diego Free Legal Clinic

Office Information

Name: University of San Diego Free Legal Clinic
Address: 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA - 92110
Phone: (619) 260-7470
Fax:

Service Information

We do NOT accommodate walk-in clients.  You can reach us by calling.

USD Legal Clinics are funded by the University of San Diego and, in part, by grants from the State Bar of California and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Services are available to lower income individuals. If you are interested in obtaining free assistance from USD Legal Clinics, or have any questions, please contact us at (619) 260-7470.
Free legal assistance may be provided in these areas:
    AppellateHandles the entire appeal from start to finish - brief to oral argument.  These cases are referred from the pro bono panel at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
    CivilIncludes consumer issues, breach of contract, uninsured motorist defense, fraud and consumer debt collection disputes.
    Education and DisabilityRepresents the parents of students with disabilities in cases ranging from IEP eligibility and services, placement, discipline and expulsions, 504 Plans, Early Start, Regional Center eligibility and services, and limited conservatorships.
    EntrepreneurshipProvides transactional legal services for clients in high technology business startups and other emerging growth companies. Assists with key legal services needed by entrepreneurs, including structuring the business entity, financing regulations, drafting of investment and employment agreements, and protection of intellectual property.
    Federal TaxRepresents lower-income taxpayers who have disputes with the Internal Revenue Service in matters such as collection action, audits, earned income tax credits and offers in compromise. Make appearances at U.S. Tax Court.  
    ImmigrationOffers assistance for immigration-related problems including immigrating family members, naturalization and deportation. Provides legal information, consultation and opportunity for representation in Deferred Actions.
    State Income TaxThe "Taxpayer Appeals Assistance Program" is a joint effort between the USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Under supervision of an attorney from the BOE's Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office, students assist taxpayers with state income tax disputes against the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
    State Sales and Use TaxThis clinic is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Under the supervision of an attorney from the BOEs Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, students will represent clients who are appealing California Sales and Use Tax determinations.
    Veterans ClinicProvides free legal assistance to veterans, limited to disputes with for-profit institutions over the use of GI Bill funds and predatory lending, discharge upgrades, and VA Disability Claims appeals. Legal services range from advice to identification of potential claims to representation of veterans in litigation, arbitration and before governmental review boards.  Visit the website.
    Workers' RightsAssists lower-income workers with a variety of employment law issues including employee rights, discrimination, medical leave, workplace safety, unpaid wages, unemployment benefits, harassment, and wrongful termination.

Legal clinic blog: http://sites.sandiego.edu/legal_clinics/


Mission Statement: The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community and preparing leaders who are dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid

  • What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.

  • Who is eligible for legal aid?

Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.

  • What kind of cases does legal aid handle?

Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:

  1. * Housing
  2. * Education
  3. * Employment
  4. * Family law
  5. * Immigration
  6. * Public benefits
  7. * Consumer law
  8. * Health care
  9. * Disability rights
  • How do I get legal aid?

To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.

  • Is legal aid free?

Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.

  • What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?

If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.

Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:

  • What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?

Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.

  • Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?

No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.

  • How can I find a legal aid organization near me?

You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.