Description
The JDC primarily provides pro bono assistance in the following areas: family law, taxpayer disputes with the IRS, housing, and limited immigration.
Ways to Contact
For immigration issues, please call the JDC's "Attorney of the Day" program at 408.461.8795 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm; 3pm to 5pm PST).
For non-eviction housing issues, call the JDC's Tenant Advocacy Project at (415) 989-1616 (leave a message with name, phone number, and best times to reach you and they will call you for an initial phone intake). You can also reach out via email at tap@sfbar.org.
For all other issues, call for intake with the Bar Association's Legal Referral and Information Service: 415.989.1616 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30 pm PST). Note that this same line screens clients for the Bar Association's referral service to private attorneys.
Process
JDC's Immigration "Attorney of the Day" program offers free phone consultations for the immigrant community, and can help to lodge asylum applications (I-589s) and fill out applications for employment authorization.
For all other issues, during the initial call, Bar Association staff will do an intake to determine what kind of help you need and if you are eligible for the JDC's services. Within 1-2 days, the staff member will call you call back with information about next steps, which could be either free services through the JDC or a private attorney referral. There is no cost for the intake, referral, or the JDC’s services. If you meet with a private attorney the first meeting typically costs $35.
Notes
Collect key information in advance if possible: case numbers, names of key people, court dates and deadlines, documents related to the issue, and any questions you have.