Class recorded October 29, 2021

Finding legal help you can afford can be difficult. In this class, learn about low-cost and free options for getting help from a lawyer. You will also get information on how to talk to a lawyer, what a lawyer looks for in a client, how to tell your story, and the importance of gathering the facts and documents in your case. Learn how to make your legal journey easier and more successful by making the most out of the legal help you can afford.

Class covers:

• Low-cost and free options for getting help from a lawyer, and when and how to use each
• How to talk to a lawyer: identifying your legal problem, telling your story effectively, and what a lawyer looks for in a client
• The importance of gathering your facts and documents
• How legal billing works
• Things clients do that increase costs
• Deciding what legal work isn't worth the cost

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.

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.

LA Law Library does not provide 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 March 17, 2020.

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.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues, which can make dealing with separation and divorce especially difficult. In this class, learn the basics of how divorce and separation work under California family law, including the court process, dividing assets and debts, mediation and settlement options, and where to go for further information and assistance. Learning important legal fundamentals about family law can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• The court process: steps in a divorce case, and what to expect
• Legal consequences of separation before (or without) divorce
• Dividing money, property, and debts
• Litigation, mediation and collaboration – the risks and benefits of each process
• Resources for further information and where to seek help

Developed with the support of, and presented by Kathleen O'Connor, Law Offices of Kathleen M. O'Connor.

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.

LA Law Library does not provide 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.

Saturday, October 19, 2019  10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Receive hands-on instruction on how to use a popular all-in-one source for legal research. The Westlaw (formerly known as WestlawNext) legal research database that has been described as "ground breaking" and "Google for lawyers."

Class covers:

• Formulating search queries
• Reviewing and filtering search results
• Finding cases and code sections
• Hands-on exercises

Registration fees: $20 for the class
Non-refundable, payment reserves spot

No legal advice:
LA Law Library provides access to legal resources and assistance with legal research. LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

For the time being, due to public health concerns, this class has been cancelled.

Saturday, April 18, 2020:  10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - CANCELLED

Receive hands-on instruction on how to use a popular all-in-one source for legal research. The Westlaw (formerly known as WestlawNext) legal research database that has been described as "ground breaking" and "Google for lawyers."

Class covers:

• Formulating search queries
• Reviewing and filtering search results
• Finding cases and code sections
• Hands-on exercises

Registration fees: $10 for the class
Non-refundable, payment reserves spot
Parking options available during registration (Tuesday, January 7th class ONLY)

No legal advice:
LA Law Library provides access to legal resources and assistance with legal research. LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Saturday, April 18, 2020:  10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.