Legal Guides

The State Bar offers free consumer information guides on a variety of topics. Starting Jan. 1, 2017, all materials will be available online only.

Finding the Right Lawyer Locating an attorney can be a difficult task, especially if you don't know any or have never needed one. We offer tips on hiring a lawyer, where to go to find one, what should be in your fee agreement, finding the best match for your needs and more.		A Lawyer Referral Service Can Help You If you're looking for a lawyer, a legal referral service could be your best bet. Find out what a lawyer referral service is and what it can do for you.
Having a Fee Dispute With Your Lawyer What happens when you feel overcharged by an attorney? You don't have to go to court. The State Bar can help resolve a fee dispute with arbitration. Here's how to get help with your legal bills.		Having a Problem With Your Lawyer? Having a good relationship with your attorney is important. But what happens if it turns sour? Where do you turn for help? We offer tips on what to expect from your lawyer and what you can do if there's a problem.
The Client Security Fund Can Help You What happens if you lose money due to attorney misconduct ? We offer tips on applying for reimbursement when you lose money because of a lawyer's dishonesty.		Tenga Precaución con los Notarios If you want advice about immigration, take care when dealing with immigration consultants who call themselves notarios. (Spanish language)