The Social Services Office has compiled the following list of resources to support you in accessing legal and mediation resources. For additional supportive services, please visit cityofirvine.org/socialservices or call 949-724-6650.
If you need assistance with legal matters, please refer to the following resources:
Community Legal Aid SoCal
Community Legal Aid SoCal is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income people throughout Orange and Southeast Los Angeles Counties. With an emphasis on innovation, language access, and a holistic approach to client care, we support clients with the following services:
- Evaluation, Advice, and Counsel
- Clinics, Workshops, and Self-Help Centers
- Direct Representation
- Impact Litigation
- Policy Advocacy
Fair Housing Foundation
The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit, educational agency dedicated to promoting the enforcement of fair housing laws and encouraging an atmosphere of open housing through education, counseling services and outreach programs.
Fair Housing Council of OC (FHCOC)
The FHCOC works to eliminate housing discrimination and guarantee the rights of all people to freely choose the housing for which they qualify in the area they desire. Our services include comprehensive community education, individual counseling, mediation, and low-cost advocacy.
Law Help Ca
The State of California’s official and free legal resource provides reliable information on 16 general topics and a directory of pre-screened organizations offering low-cost legal advice and representation.
Lawyer Referral & Information Service (OC Bar Association)
The OCBA’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) is the only non-profit legal referral service in Orange County sponsored by the OCBA. It has been referring callers to some of Orange County’s finest attorneys for over 50 years. LRIS panel attorneys have expertise in 35 areas of the law. Each call is carefully screened by trained representatives to ensure referral to the right attorney. Prospective clients receive a free brief consultation to review the legal issue and discuss fees. Request a referral online or call us at (949) 440-6747 or (877) 257-4762.
Lamoreaux Justice Center
This facility handles Juvenile, Family Law, and Domestic Violence. Also housed at this facility is a Self-Help Center, Family Court Services, and the Office of the Family Law Facilitator.
Public Law Center
The Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and other nonprofits in Orange County.
Public Law Center works to prevent homelessness and assist tenants and mobile homeowners who are being unfairly evicted or who are subjected to substandard living conditions. PLC also advocates for the creation and preservation of affordable housing.
If you need mediation services, please refer to the following resources:
Waymakers OC Court Meditation Program
Community members in conflict and juveniles exhibiting delinquent or disruptive behaviors that negatively impact others benefit from Waymakers mediation and restorative justice services. Trained volunteers and staff utilize flexible forums to find sustainable solutions that encourage positive change.
Groundswell
Groundswell provides up to 8 hours of mediation service to Orange County residents at no charge*. After completing a Mediation Inquiry Form, a case manager will contact you within 2 working days to explain what mediation is (and isn’t!). Then you can decide if Groundswell’s mediation services could be helpful in your unique situation. If so, the Case Manager will ask for contact information for the other side so we can contact them to see if they wish to participate. Mediation is always a voluntary process, and Groundswell can only proceed with convening a mediation when both parties have agreed to participate.