East Bay Community Law Center

Contact Information

Name: East Bay Community Law Center
Address: 2921 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA - 94705
Phone: (510) 548-4040
Fax:

Service Information

Mission:

To promote justice and build a community that is more healthy, secure, productive and hopeful by providing Legal services and policy advocacy that are responsive to the needs of low-income communities, and law training that prepares future attorneys to be skilled and principled advocates that are committed to finding innovative solutions to the cause and conditions of poverty.

For Consumers, attorneys and advocates can provide the following types of assistance:

    -Defending consumers on debt-collection lawsuits
    -Protecting consumers assets by contesting wage garnishments, bank levies, and other creditor liens.
    -Educating consumers through materials and outreach about deceptive, unfair, illegal, and/or predatory consumer programs and practices.
    -Assisting borrowers to discharge their federal student loans or enter into more affordable repayments agreement.
    -Defending consumers in disputes regarding repayment of private student loans.
    -Financial assessments to help consumers develop the best priorities for their own finances.
    -Correcting credit reporting errors.
    -Assisting victims of identity theft.
    -Defending and litigating against operations that victimize non-English speaking immigrant populations.

For people experiencing homelessness, attorneys and advocates can provide the following types of assistance:

    -Citation defense (help with tickets from the sidewalk, traffic tickets, etc.)
    -Public benefits assistance
    -Barriers to housing (i.e., bad credit keeping you out of housing)
    -License suspension/DMV
    -Storage unit disputes
    -Car tows

Hours: Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm

Hours:
  • Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday closed
  • Sunday closed

Mission Statement: To promote justice and build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful by providing: *Legal services and policy advocacy that are responsive to the needs of low-income communities, and *Law training that prepares future attorneys to be skilled and principled advocates who are committed to addressing the causes and conditions of racial and economic injustice and poverty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal advice and assistance given to those who cannot afford the services of an attorney.

2. Who is eligible for legal aid?

The eligibility requirements for legal aid vary depending on the country or state, but generally, those who have limited income and cannot afford the services of a lawyer are eligible for legal aid.

3. How can I apply for legal aid?

To apply for legal aid, you can either visit your local legal aid office or access their website to fill out an application form. You will be required to provide information on your income and assets, as well as the legal issue you need assistance with.

4. What types of legal issues are covered by legal aid?

Legal aid covers a wide range of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, employment law, housing, consumer law, and immigration law.

5. Can I choose my lawyer with legal aid?

In some cases, you may be able to choose your lawyer with legal aid. However, in most cases, the lawyer assigned to you by legal aid will depend on their availability and expertise in the area of law your case involves.

6. How much does legal aid cost?

Legal aid is either free or offered at a reduced cost, depending on your income and assets.

7. What documents do I need to provide for legal aid?

When applying for legal aid, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, such as bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits.

8. Is legal aid available for international cases?

Legal aid is only available for cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the country or state offering legal aid services.

9. Can I appeal a decision made by legal aid?

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by legal aid, you may have the right to appeal the decision. This may involve filling out an appeal form or attending a hearing.

10. How can I find a legal aid office in my area?

You can find a legal aid office in your area by searching online or contacting your local bar association.