Bet Tzedek’s Small Claims Clinic is a monthly clinic opportunity for community members to gain general information about the Small Claims Court process.
SMALL CLAIMS CLINIC REGISTRATION LINK:
REGISTER HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Before registering for this clinic, we ask that you please watch our Small Claims Informational Videos (below). These videos will provide you with a wealth of information about Small Claims Court and the processes.
You will only have 20 minutes for your consultation, and we encourage you to watch the videos to maximize your one-on-one time.
We will close this registration link each month after we are full.
This clinic offers a wide array of easily-accessible information about Small Claims, from informative trainings, to sample forms, to the opportunity to meet live with one of our volunteers at a clinic.
This monthly clinic takes place over the telephone and requires pre-registration. A volunteer advocate will call you from a blocked number on clinic day between the hours of 12-2pm for a one-on-one question-and-answer session. Please note that no legal advice can or will be given during these sessions; instead, advocates will share general information (see below).
Because each consultation only lasts 20 minutes, we STRONGLY encourage you to watch our informational videos before your session (found below).
If you sign up for clinic, please make sure you are available between 12-2pm on the day of the clinic. Please note that a volunteer will call you from a blocked number.
We will close registration when we are full. If you are unable to sign up for this month’s clinic, please check back soon to register for another clinic date. We appreciate your understanding!
Examples of the difference between legal information and legal advice:
- We CAN answer questions about factual information – questions that start with “who” “what” “why” “when” or “how”
- We CANNOT offer our opinion about what you should do – questions that contain the words “should” or “whether”
- We CAN tell you how to bring an issue to the attention of the court
- We CANNOT discuss whether you should bring that issue before the court, how best to present that issue, or how the judge is likely to decide on your case
- We CAN talk to you about your options, and the steps necessary to carry out those options
- We CANNOT suggest which option you should pursue
SMALL CLAIMS INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS:
Module 1: Small Claims Overview
Run time: 9:05
This video gives an overview of what small claims are and situations they apply to. Small claims court provides a simplified version of litigation that does not require the services of an attorney. ***CORRECTION: the limit for businesses making a claim in Small Claims Court is $6250, not $6500.
Module 2: Filing a Claim
Run time: 15:07
This video explains the process of filing, as well as how to fill out the forms.
Module 3: Serving the Defendant
Run time: 12:45
The defendant in a small claims case must be located and given a copy of the plaintiff’s claims prior to the court hearing. This video explains methods to locate and serve the defendant.
Module 4: Hearing and Aftermath
Run time: 19:06
This video explains what to expect during a small claims court hearing and after the judge’s ruling. In small claims court, the plaintiff will present their own case to the judge
SMALL CLAIMS RESOURCE LIBRARY:
Coming soon!
A heartfelt thanks to Greenberg Glusker for developing and recording the videos, and Greenberg Glusker, Reed Smith, Southwestern Law School and LACBA for their past and future contributions to the clinic.
