Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Los Angeles

Overview

Domestic violence survivors in Los Angeles often face overwhelming legal challenges — from obtaining restraining orders and child custody to dealing with housing, employment, and immigration issues. Thankfully, Los Angeles County hosts a strong network of legal aid and pro bono organizations that provide free or affordable legal help to survivors, regardless of income or immigration status.

This comprehensive guide highlights the most trusted legal aid options available in Los Angeles, what they offer, and how survivors can safely access them.

1. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)

Website: www.lafla.org
Phone: 800-399-4529
Services:

• Family law support including domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs), divorce, and custody

• Housing rights and emergency eviction protection

• Immigration relief for survivors under VAWA and U-Visas

• Economic justice programs helping survivors regain independence

Coverage: Serves residents across Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, South LA, and East LA.
Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, and more.

2. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA)

Website: www.nlsla.org
Phone: 800-433-6251
Services:

• Legal help for domestic violence survivors in family court

• Public benefits assistance (CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, SNAP) for survivors rebuilding stability

• Housing and healthcare advocacy

• Help for immigrant and low-income families

Specialty: NLSLA partners closely with LA County Domestic Violence Shelters and Family Justice Centers for coordinated survivor support.

3. Jenesse Center Legal Services

Website: www.jenesse.org
Phone: 323-299-9496 (24/7 Crisis Line)
Services:

• Full-service legal advocacy for protection orders, custody, and divorce

• On-site legal clinics staffed by attorneys and paralegals

• Housing, counseling, and transitional programs for survivors

• Court accompaniment and safety planning

Specialty: A Black-women-led organization serving South Los Angeles with culturally competent, trauma-informed care.

4. Sojourn Domestic Violence Legal Center (a division of The People Concern)

Website: www.thepeopleconcern.org
Phone: 310-264-6644 (24/7 Hotline)
Services:

• Legal representation for restraining orders and family law issues

• Emergency shelter placement

• Counseling and case management for survivors and their children

• Immigration and LGBTQ+ inclusive support

Specialty: Based in Santa Monica, serving survivors on LA’s Westside with wraparound legal and emotional services.

5. Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Website: www.bettzedek.org
Phone: 323-939-0506
Services:

• Pro bono legal aid for family, housing, elder abuse, and employment issues

• Assistance with protective orders, child custody, and financial abuse

• Immigrant survivor advocacy, including language-access programs

Specialty: Known for compassionate service to low-income and immigrant survivors regardless of gender, religion, or background.

6. Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ)

Website: www.laclj.org
Phone: 323-980-3500
Services:

• Legal representation for restraining orders, custody disputes, and immigration petitions

• Empowerment workshops on survivor rights and safety planning

• Support for young parents and immigrant women

Specialty: Focused on breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse through legal and advocacy services.

7. Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law

Website: www.hbcfl.org
Phone: 213-388-7505
Services:

• Free and low-cost legal help for domestic violence survivors

• Guidance for child custody, support, and divorce proceedings

• Volunteer attorney programs offering pro bono assistance

• Free legal clinics for survivors without representation

Specialty: Especially supports low-income women seeking independence and safety from abusive relationships.

8. Legal Aid at Work (Southern California Office)

Website: www.legalaidatwork.org
Phone: 415-864-8848
Services:

• Employment rights for survivors facing job loss or discrimination due to domestic violence

• Help with workplace restraining orders

• Pro bono legal consultations

Specialty: Helps survivors assert workplace rights under California Labor Code §230, which protects DV survivors from job retaliation.

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Los Angeles

• Use a private or incognito browser when researching legal resources.

• Call from a safe phone or request a callback if monitored.

• Ask for virtual appointments — many LA organizations provide remote intake.

• Plan your transportation if visiting Family Justice Centers (some offer rides).

Additional Local Resources

• Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-978-3600 (24/7)

• Family Justice Centers (FJCs): Located in Downtown LA, Pomona, Lancaster, and Long Beach.
  Website: dcfs.lacounty.gov/fjc

• 211 LA County: www.211la.org — connects you to shelters, food, and counseling resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to pay for these legal services?
Most of the organizations listed here provide free legal help to survivors of domestic violence. Some may offer sliding-scale fees or pro bono referrals based on your income.

2. Can I get legal help if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Many LA-based organizations (like LAFLA, LACLJ, and Bet Tzedek) assist immigrant survivors regardless of status and can help with VAWA self-petitions, U-Visas, or asylum.

3. What if I need help immediately?
If you’re in danger, call 911 or the LA County DV Hotline (800-978-3600).
For immediate legal protection, ask for help filing an Emergency Protective Order (EPO), which can be issued 24/7 by a judge through police.

4. How long does it take to get a restraining order?
Emergency restraining orders can often be obtained the same day.
Permanent restraining orders usually require a hearing within 21 days, and legal aid lawyers can represent you through the process.

5. What documents should I bring for my case?
Bring any evidence related to the abuse — texts, police reports, photos, witness statements, or medical records. If unsafe, upload them securely or share digitally with your attorney.

6. What if my abuser controls our finances?
You can still qualify for free legal representation. Many LA legal aid groups also help survivors apply for emergency financial assistance, housing aid, and CalWORKs benefits.

Conclusion

You’re not alone. Los Angeles County’s legal aid network is one of the strongest in the U.S., ensuring that every survivor — regardless of income, status, or background — has access to justice and safety. Whether you need a restraining order, immigration support, or help rebuilding after abuse, these organizations are ready to help — confidentially and compassionately.