Guides & California law encyclopedia

410 guides to the processes, deadlines and paperwork you actually run into in Los Angeles County. Written in plain English, dated, and reviewed against the current California code.

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Deadlines

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in California?

The two-year default, the six-month government claim trap, and what pauses the clock.

6 min read

Working with a lawyer

What should you bring to a first attorney consultation?

A checklist that turns a free 30-minute call into an actual assessment.

5 min read

Fees

How do contingency fees actually work in California?

What comes off the top, what comes off after, and the line most people miss.

7 min read

Personal injury

All 78

Employment

All 66

Family law

All 59

Housing & tenants

All 54

Quick answers

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in Los Angeles?

No — California small claims court does not allow attorneys to represent parties at the hearing. You can consult one beforehand to prepare, and the limit for individuals is $12,500. Our small claims guides walk through the filing packet and what the clerk will reject.

Is a free consultation really free?

Usually yes for the initial meeting, particularly in contingency-fee areas like personal injury and employment. What is not free is case costs — filing fees, expert reports, deposition transcripts. Ask specifically who advances those and what happens to them if you lose.

How do I check that a California attorney is actually licensed?

Search the State Bar of California's public attorney records by name or bar number. It shows admission date, current status and any public discipline. Every listing on LA Law Hub marked Verified has been checked against that record by our team.

Are these guides legal advice?

No. They explain how a process generally works in California and Los Angeles County so you can ask better questions. They cannot account for the facts of your situation, and deadlines in particular can change based on details that are not obvious. Talk to a licensed California attorney about your own case.