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Find a Lawyer in Torrance

Free Legal Resources for Los Angeles County Residents

🏢 Corporate Hub
🏖️ Beach City
🚗 Auto Industry
Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. · Updated February 2026
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145K
Population
⚖️
1,400+
Attorneys
🏛️
1
Courthouses
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#38
CA City Size

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Take our free 2-minute assessment to find out if your legal issue requires professional representation.

What's Your Legal Issue?

🏠 Landlord-Tenant Assessment 🚗 Car Accident Assessment 💰 Unpaid Wages Assessment 🩹 Personal Injury Assessment 🏗️ Workers Compensation Assessment
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Employment Law

Wrongful termination, wage theft, and workplace discrimination claims in Torrance's automotive (Honda sector and beyond. California labor protections are among the strongest in the nation.

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Business Law

Business formation, contract disputes, and commercial litigation in Torrance. From startups to established firms in automotive (Honda, get legal guidance for your business needs.

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Personal Injury

Car accidents on I-405, I-110, SR-91, slip-and-fall incidents at local businesses, and pedestrian injuries in Torrance. If you've been hurt near Del Amo Fashion Center, know your rights.

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Family Law

Divorce, child custody, and support cases in Torrance. Navigating family court can be complex — get help understanding your rights and options in this community.

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Real Estate & Landlord-Tenant

Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposit claims, and real estate transactions in Torrance. No local rent control — AB 1482 applies to qualifying buildings. Use our free demand letter generator for deposit disputes.

📝 Generate a Free Demand Letter

Create a professional legal demand letter for common Torrance legal issues.

🏛️ Torrance Courthouses

LA Superior Court

111 N Hill St, Los Angeles 90012

Civil Criminal Family

Los Angeles County Court Filing Quick Reference

Small Claims Filing Fee
$30 - $75
$30 (up to $1,500) / $50 ($1,500-$5,000) / $75 ($5,001-$12,500)
Small Claims Limit
$12,500
Individual limit · $6,250 for businesses
Civil Filing Fee
$435
Unlimited civil (over $35K) / Fee waivers available
E-Filing
Available
Court Hours
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday – Friday · Closed state holidays
Self-Help Center
Free Walk-In

Local Court Tips for Torrance

Self-Help Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (varies by courthouse)

Busiest Days: Monday mornings at all locations; arrive early for Stanley Mosk

LASC offers free mediation for civil cases under $50K through the ADR program.

Local Rule: LA County requires mandatory settlement conferences in most civil cases; Complex Litigation courtrooms for cases over $25K

Free Legal Resources

📊 Torrance Legal Landscape

💻 Tech & Innovation

Growing Hub tech and innovation companies drive Torrance's economy. Employment disputes, IP protection, and startup formation are top legal needs.

🚗 Traffic & Commuting

I-405 corridors including I-405, I-110, SR-91 serve Torrance. Car accidents, commuter injuries, and road-rage incidents generate significant personal injury claims.

🏠 Housing Market

AB 1482 Torrance is covered by California's statewide AB 1482 tenant protections. Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposits, and eviction defense are common.

👥 Community Growth

Active Torrance continues to grow and diversify. Family law, consumer protection, and neighborhood disputes are common legal needs.

📜 Torrance Local Laws & Ordinances

City-specific regulations beyond California state law that affect Torrance residents.

Torrance Rent Stabilization Compliance

As part of LA County, Torrance residents are covered by the county's rent stabilization ordinance limiting annual increases to 3-8% for qualifying units. Local enforcement varies by city.

Torrance Military Housing Protection

Servicemembers in Torrance are protected by the federal SCRA and California Military & Veterans Code. Lease termination rights, eviction protections, and interest rate caps apply.

Torrance Cannabis Business Regulation

Torrance regulates cannabis businesses with specific zoning restrictions, buffer zones from schools, and local licensing requirements beyond state mandates. Some business types may be prohibited.

Torrance Noise and Nuisance Ordinance

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.

📋 Common Torrance Legal Cases

Real-world legal scenarios frequently seen in the Torrance area.

Torrance Intersection Accident

A driver ran a red light at a busy Torrance intersection, causing a T-bone collision. The victim suffered neck and back injuries requiring months of physical therapy. Insurance initially offered a lowball settlement.

Typical outcome: $50,000-$250,000 range

Torrance Illegal Rent Increase

A Torrance 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.

Typical outcome: $5,000-$25,000 range

Torrance Unpaid Overtime Claim

An employee at a Torrance business worked 50+ hours weekly without overtime pay. The employer misclassified the position as exempt despite the employee performing primarily non-exempt duties.

Typical outcome: $15,000-$75,000 range

Coastal Property Dispute

A Torrance property owner's renovation was blocked by Coastal Commission regulations. The dispute involved public beach access rights versus private property development, requiring extensive administrative hearings.

Typical outcome: $50,000-$300,000 range

🗺️ Torrance Neighborhoods & Legal Issues

Different areas of Torrance face distinct legal challenges.

Downtown Torrance

Commercial lease disputes, small business licensing, pedestrian accidents, parking violations

North Torrance

Residential property disputes, homeowner association conflicts, neighbor noise complaints

South Torrance

Rental housing conditions, workplace safety issues, auto accidents on commercial corridors

Coastal/Beach Area

Short-term rental disputes, Coastal Commission regulations, tourism-related injuries, property line disputes

📅 Seasonal Legal Issues in Torrance

Legal issues in Torrance that follow seasonal patterns.

Fire Season (Jun-Nov)

Wildfire risk creates insurance coverage disputes, evacuation-related lease issues, and smoke damage claims for Torrance residents. Property owners should review coverage limits annually.

Summer Tourist Season (Jun-Sep)

Tourism-related injury claims, short-term rental disputes, DUI enforcement, and service industry wage claims spike in Torrance during peak visitor months.

Tax Season (Jan-Apr)

Torrance residents face deadlines for property tax appeals, business tax filings, and income tax disputes. IRS and FTB audit notices commonly arrive during this period.

📊 Torrance Area Typical Legal Outcomes

Approximate ranges based on Los Angeles County court data. Every case is unique.

Auto Accident (PI)
$25,000-$250,000
Common Torrance area collisions
Security Deposit Recovery
$1,500-$7,500
Including statutory penalties
Unpaid Wages Claim
$10,000-$75,000
Overtime and misclassification cases
Consumer Protection
$5,000-$30,000
Auto dealer fraud, subscription traps
Small Claims Judgment
$2,500-$12,500
Torrance area median recovery

Disclaimer: These ranges are illustrative estimates. Actual outcomes depend on case specifics. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

🆓 Free Legal Help in Torrance

Several organizations provide free legal services to Torrance residents who meet income requirements.

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)

125% FPL The largest direct legal services provider in Los Angeles County, offering free civil legal assistance to low-income residents in housing disputes, government benefits, and family law matters.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services

200% FPL Provides free legal services to low-income people in Los Angeles with a focus on elder abuse, employment rights, housing conditions, and debt relief.

Public Counsel

200% FPL The nation's largest pro bono law firm, mobilizing thousands of volunteer attorneys to deliver free legal services to low-income communities across Los Angeles.

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA)

125% FPL Provides free legal assistance to residents in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, and surrounding communities on housing, benefits, and consumer issues.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal injury: Contingency (25-40% of settlement) — you pay nothing upfront.
Family law: $350-$700/hour. Uncontested divorce: $3,000-$10,000.
Criminal defense: Misdemeanor: $3,000-$10,000. Felony: $10,000-$50,000.
Business law: $300-$600/hour.
Real estate: $300-$600/hour for transactions.

Torrance rates are typical for the LA Metro market. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.
South Bay hub, automotive industry center: Torrance's character as south bay hub, automotive industry center shapes the types of legal issues residents face.

Key industries (automotive (Honda, Toyota), aerospace): These sectors generate employment disputes, business litigation, and regulatory compliance issues.

Major corridors (I-405, I-110, SR-91): High traffic volume on these routes leads to frequent car accident and personal injury claims.

Local landmarks: Areas near Del Amo Fashion Center see premises liability, commercial disputes, and visitor-related legal issues.
Handle yourself:
• Small claims under $12,500
• Security deposit disputes (use our demand letter generator)
• Simple consumer refund demands
• Traffic tickets
• Uncontested divorce with no kids or major assets

Hire a lawyer:
• Any criminal charges
• Serious injuries (medical bills over $5,000)
• Child custody battles
• Employment discrimination or wrongful termination
• Complex employment matters
• Real estate transactions over $500K

Take our free assessment to find out if you need an attorney.
1. Bar referral: Los Angeles County Bar Association Referral Service for vetted attorney matches.

2. Verify license: California State Bar website to check discipline history.

3. Legal aid: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) for income-qualified residents.

4. Interview attorneys: Most Torrance lawyers offer free initial consultations. Meet 2-3 before deciding.

5. Check reviews: Look at Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews for Torrance-area attorneys.
No local rent control.

Torrance does not have its own rent control ordinance. However, California's statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies to qualifying properties:
• Covers buildings 15+ years old with 2+ units
• Rent increases capped at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) per year
• Requires just cause for eviction

Exempt: Single-family homes (unless owned by a corporation), condos, buildings less than 15 years old, owner-occupied duplexes.

For security deposit disputes, use our demand letter generator.
LA Superior Court (111 N Hill St, Los Angeles 90012) handles Civil, Criminal, Family. Phone: (213) 830-0803.

Use the Court Self-Help Center for filing guidance and forms.

🤔 DIY or Hire a Lawyer?

Use this quick guide to decide whether you can handle your Torrance legal issue yourself or need professional representation.

Handle It Yourself

  • Small claims under $12,500
  • Security deposit demands
  • Simple consumer refund disputes
  • Traffic tickets
  • Uncontested divorce (no kids or major assets)
  • Basic contract disagreements
  • Business license applications
  • Filing wage claims with the Labor Commissioner

Hire a Lawyer

  • Any criminal charges
  • Serious injuries (medical bills over $5,000)
  • Child custody battles
  • Employment discrimination or wrongful termination
  • Real estate transactions over $500K
  • Complex business disputes
  • DUI with injuries or repeat offenses
  • Contested divorce with significant assets

Not sure? Take our free 2-minute assessment →

📚 Legal Resources for Torrance Residents

More free tools and guides from Terms.Law for Torrance residents.

Free Legal Calculators

Free tools relevant to common Torrance legal issues:

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1099 vs W-2

Tax comparison calculator

Statute of Limitations

Filing deadline by case type

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Security Deposit

Interest & penalty calculator

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Eviction Timeline

How long will it take?

Other California Cities

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