The Senior Citizen Legal Program is staffed by volunteer attorneys at three locations in the Valley: Van Nuys, Reseda and Pacoima. An initial 20-minute consultation with a lawyer is offered for $10 to Senior Citizens aged 60 and over. Following the consultation the citizen may choose to engage the lawyer who, depending on the nature and complexity of the matter, may agree to a reduced fee. It is important to note that the client must pay all out-of-pocket expenses, e.g. court filing fees.

The Modest Means Program is a public service program of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s Attorney Referral Service intended to provide access to legal services for people of modest means. The financial guidelines for client eligibility is based on the federal poverty guides and are set at approximately 175 percent of the federal poverty level.

The SFVBA Attorney Referral Service can refer clients to a properly trained limited scope attorney. Clients will need to decide whether they have the time commitment necessary to handle some tasks. The client and attorney will agree in writing the responsibilities of each task associated with the case. Clients may arrange to change the agreement if new issues arise, or the client finds that they cannot handle tasks.

You will be referred to an attorney that does not offer free services. You and the attorney will negotiate a price for their fees.