Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus

Office Information

Name: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus
Address: 55 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA - 94111
Phone: (415) 896-1701
Fax: (415) 896-1702

Service Information

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Asian Law Caucus is the nations first legal and civil rights organization serving the low-income Asian Pacific American communities. Advancing Justice ALC focuses on housing rights, immigration and immigrants rights, labor and employment issues, student advocacy (ASPIRE), civil rights and hate violence, national security, and criminal justice reform. As a founding affiliate of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the organization also helps to set national policies in affirmative action, voting rights, Census and language rights.

For all legal services, please bring any form of photo identification, proof of income (paystub, medical records, bank statements, etc), and any or all documents related to your legal questions.

*Immigration:
We provide free legal advice and services primarily in the area of deportation.
Days: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Time: 5:30pm
By appointment only.

*Housing:
Our free legal clinics cover such topics as Supplemental Security Income, housing issues including eviction notices, unlawful detainer cases, and rent increases, assistance for seniors, and housing discrimination. These clinics empower low-income, limited English-proficient tenants and seniors with knowledge of their rights and resources so that they can better protect their homes and communities.
Days: 1st, 3rd and last Tuesday of every month
Time: 10:00am 12:00pm

*Workers Rights:
Consultation provided by Advancing Justice Asian Law Caucus for low-wage workers includes unpaid wages, overtime, unemployment insurance benefits, wrongful termination, discrimination/harassment, health and safety, and more.
Days: 1st and 3rd Thursdays every month
Time: By appointment only.

*Criminal Justice:
The Criminal Justice Reform program provides representation to low-income immigrants who are victims of TRUST Act violations, individuals who are victims of police-ICE collaboration, and individuals who are the victims of race-motivated police misconduct.
Walk-ins, by appointment, by phone

*National Security & Civil Rights:
No walk-ins or standing clinics. By appointment only. We can provide assistance with FBI questioning, problems when entering the US, problems boarding flights, discrimination by law enforcement, and filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
 


Mission Statement: The mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is to promote, advance, and represent the legal and civil rights of Asian Pacific Islander communities.

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.