Free Legal Resources for San Francisco County Residents
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Business formation, contract disputes, and commercial litigation in San Francisco. From startups to established firms in tech, get legal guidance for your business needs.
Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposit claims, and real estate transactions in San Francisco. Local rent control applies. Use our free demand letter generator for deposit disputes.
Car accidents on US-101, I-80, I-280, slip-and-fall incidents at local businesses, and pedestrian injuries in San Francisco. If you've been hurt near Golden Gate Bridge, know your rights.
Divorce, child custody, and support cases in San Francisco. Navigating family court can be complex — get help understanding your rights and options in this community.
Wrongful termination, wage theft, and workplace discrimination claims in San Francisco's tech sector and beyond. California labor protections are among the strongest in the nation.
Create a professional legal demand letter for common San Francisco legal issues.
400 McAllister St, SF 94102
850 Bryant St, SF 94103
400 McAllister St, SF 94102
Self-Help Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Busiest Days: Monday and Tuesday mornings; limited parking downtown
SF Bar Association offers ADR services. Community Boards provides free mediation.
Local Rule: San Francisco has tenant-friendly local rules; mandatory disclosure in civil cases; unified family court
Growing Hub tech and innovation companies drive San Francisco's economy. Employment disputes, IP protection, and startup formation are top legal needs.
US-101 corridors including US-101, I-80, I-280 serve San Francisco. Car accidents, commuter injuries, and road-rage incidents generate significant personal injury claims.
Local Ordinance San Francisco has local rent control (SF Rent Ordinance) plus statewide AB 1482. Tenant rights, eviction defense, and rent disputes are major practice areas.
Active San Francisco continues to grow and diversify. Family law, consumer protection, and neighborhood disputes are common legal needs.
City-specific regulations beyond California state law that affect San Francisco residents.
San Francisco enforces specific development standards including ADU streamlining, density bonus compliance, and affordable housing linkage fees for new construction.
California law voids non-compete agreements (Business & Professions Code 16600). San Francisco tech workers frequently face employers attempting enforcement through NDAs and trade secret claims.
San Francisco regulates cannabis businesses with specific zoning restrictions, buffer zones from schools, and local licensing requirements beyond state mandates. Some business types may be prohibited.
Residential noise limits enforced during quiet hours (typically 10 PM - 7 AM). Construction restricted to daytime hours. Violations can result in fines and abatement orders.
Real-world legal scenarios frequently seen in the San Francisco area.
A driver ran a red light at a busy San Francisco intersection, causing a T-bone collision. The victim suffered neck and back injuries requiring months of physical therapy. Insurance initially offered a lowball settlement.
A San Francisco landlord raised rent by 25% on a long-term tenant, exceeding the allowable increase under local and state rent control. The tenant filed a complaint and sought damages for the overcharge.
A San Francisco tech company classified software developers as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime, benefits, and payroll taxes. The workers filed claims under California's ABC test for misclassification.
A San Francisco auto dealership added undisclosed fees and aftermarket products to a purchase contract. The buyer discovered over $4,000 in charges not agreed upon, violating California's auto buyer protections.
Different areas of San Francisco face distinct legal challenges.
Commercial lease disputes, small business licensing, pedestrian accidents, parking violations
Residential property disputes, homeowner association conflicts, neighbor noise complaints
Rental housing conditions, workplace safety issues, auto accidents on commercial corridors
Residential development disputes, traffic accidents, commercial landlord-tenant matters
Legal issues in San Francisco that follow seasonal patterns.
Tourism-related injury claims, short-term rental disputes, DUI enforcement, and service industry wage claims spike in San Francisco during peak visitor months.
San Francisco residents face deadlines for property tax appeals, business tax filings, and income tax disputes. IRS and FTB audit notices commonly arrive during this period.
Approximate ranges based on San Francisco County court data. Every case is unique.
Disclaimer: These ranges are illustrative estimates. Actual outcomes depend on case specifics. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Several organizations provide free legal services to San Francisco residents who meet income requirements.
125% FPL The Bay Area's largest civil legal aid provider, serving low-income San Francisco residents with free legal help in housing, benefits, and consumer cases.
125% FPL Operated through the Bar Association of San Francisco, provides free legal services to low-income San Francisco residents in housing and employment matters.
200% FPL The nation's oldest legal organization serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, providing legal services and advocacy in immigration, housing, and workers' rights.
2026 Federal Poverty Level: $33,000 for family of 4. 125% FPL = $41,250 · 200% FPL = $66,000. Fee waiver forms available for court filing costs.
Use this quick guide to decide whether you can handle your San Francisco legal issue yourself or need professional representation.
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More free tools and guides from Terms.Law for San Francisco residents.
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