Immigration resources: Legal help

Hire a lawyer or get free legal help

Before you start

Immigration law is very complex. You can hire a licensed lawyer or accredited representative to help with an immigration case.

Beware of immigration scams. Consultants and "notarios" are not lawyers. Learn more

It is illegal for immigration consultants to:

Pretend to be a lawyer or give you immigration advice
Represent you in court
Tell you which forms to fill out
Keep your original documents
Charge money to refer you to a lawyer

A bonded immigration consultant can only:

Give you forms and help you fill them out
Translate questions and answers for forms
Help you collect documents

Bonded means the immigration consultant has posted a $100,000 bond with the California Secretary of State. Is your consultant bonded? Learn more about immigration consultants.

Use these sites to find out if a lawyer is licensed in the state of California or if an immigration representative is accredited:

State Bar attorney search

Department of Justice roster of accredited representatives

Find an immigration lawyer

The organizations listed below can help you find an immigration lawyer. You can also look for others online or ask organizations you trust in your area for help. The California courts do not provide referrals to specific lawyers or recommend or endorse any of the organizations listed.

Information about Lawyer Referral Services
California State Bar

Immigration Lawyer Search
American Immigration Lawyers Association

Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Bar Association of San Francisco

SmartLaw
Los Angeles County Bar Association

San Diego Lawyer Referral Service
San Diego County Bar Association

Immigration Attorney Referral Service
San Fernando Valley Bar Association