Friday, December 27, 2019  12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Even though the proceedings are simplified, going to small claims court can be intimidating. You have to know certain basic information to win your claim or defend against someone else's. This class provides information you need to go to small claims court with confidence. You will also learn about free resources available to help. Learning important legal fundamentals about small claims court can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• Which claims can be filed in small claims court
• Gathering evidence and deciding who to sue
• Writing (or responding to) the claim
• Serving papers
• Going to court
• Getting paid if you win
• Resources for further information and where to seek help

Developed by practicing attorneys and presented by LA Law Library Reference Librarians

Class approved for Court Interpreter Minimum Continuing Education (CIMCE) credit.

Registration fees: FREE
Registration reserves spot

No legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Class recorded May 24, 2024

For updated information on e-filing and filing court documents in-person during COVID-19, please click here. If your case is being heard in California state superior court, please be sure to visit your court’s website for the most recent updates. L.A. Superior Court’s website is here.

For updated information on the L.A. Superior Court’s mandatory Online Dispute Resolution program for small claims, click here and here.

Even though the proceedings are simplified, going to small claims court can be intimidating. You have to know certain basic information to win your claim or defend against someone else's. This class provides information you need to go to small claims court with confidence. You will also learn about free resources available to help. Learning important legal fundamentals about small claims court can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• Which claims can be filed in small claims court
• Gathering evidence and deciding who to sue
• Writing (or responding to) the claim
• Serving papers
• Going to court
• Getting paid if you win
• Resources for further information and where to seek help

Developed by practicing attorneys and presented by LA Law Library Reference Librarians

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)."

Video Recordings: We recognize that not everyone can attend in person classes, so even if you can't make it in, please watch any of these recordings and remember that we are still here to help! Call us at (213) 785-2513, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or chat with us online to get help finding information and resources on any legal (or not-quite-legal) question. Access to the video recordings is free.

Dated Material: Please note that the law changes. The original recording date for each class is provided on the display page. To be certain that you receive up-to-date information, please attend the in-person class, or contact us for help researching or updating your specific legal issue.

No legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Friday, January 4, 2019  12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Friday, March 22, 2019  12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues. This can make it difficult to protect your civil rights, including your right to be free from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education. In this class, learn about your civil rights under state and federal law, how these rights are protected, and resources available to help. Learning important fundamentals about civil rights can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• The right to be free from unlawful discrimination, and other types of civil rights
• The characteristics generally protected by civil rights laws, including race, ethnicity, gender, religious belief, and age
• How to determine which civil rights statute or claim might apply to your situation
• How and where to make a civil rights complaint, and types of civil rights lawsuits
• Resources for further information and where to seek help

Developed by practicing attorneys and presented by LA Law Library Reference Librarians

Registration fees: $10 for the class
Nonrefundable payment reserves spot

No legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Friday, September 7, 2018
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues. This can make it difficult to protect your civil rights, including your right to be free from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education. In this class, learn about your civil rights under state and federal law, how these rights are protected, and resources available to help. Learning important fundamentals about civil rights can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• The right to be free from unlawful discrimination, and other types of civil rights
• The characteristics generally protected by civil rights laws, including race, ethnicity, gender, religious belief, and age
• How to determine which civil rights statute or claim might apply to your situation
• How and where to make a civil rights complaint, and types of civil rights lawsuits
• Resources for further information and where to seek help

Developed by practicing attorneys and presented by LA Law Library Reference Librarians

No legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Registration fees: $10 for the class
Nonrefundable payment reserves spot