As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, DCBA is also marking another major milestone: 25 years of Self‑Help Legal Access Centers (SHLAC). For a quarter century, these centers have helped residents understand the court system and take meaningful steps toward resolving their legal issues – all at no cost.
Why SHLAC Matters
Walking into a courthouse without a lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially when the stakes are high. Court forms are confusing, procedures can be hard to navigate, and many people simply don’t know where to begin. For residents with limited financial resources, hiring an attorney is often not an option. That’s where SHLAC comes in.
Since the program launched, SHLAC has helped level the playing field by providing free legal assistance to more than two million Los Angeles County residents. The centers help people understand court processes, complete required paperwork, and prepare for hearings so they can advocate for themselves with confidence. SHLAC is a cornerstone of DCBA’s commitment to increasing access to justice for LA County residents. For many residents with limited financial resources, free legal guidance is a critical resource that helps them navigate the court system on their own.
As DCBA Director Rafeal Carbajal emphasized, “When someone walks into a courthouse alone, no lawyer, no guidance, and no idea what to do next, the odds are rarely in their favor. As we celebrate 50 years of serving LA County residents, the 25th anniversary of SHLAC is a powerful reminder that justice should be available to everyone, not only those who can afford it.”
A Countywide Network of Support
SHLAC is administered by DCBA and operated in partnership with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles (NLSLA), the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), and Community Legal Aid SoCal. Each location is staffed by trained attorneys, knowledgable professionals, and dedicated volunteers who provide:
- Help understanding court procedures
- Assistance completing legal forms
- Trained legal professionals to review court forms after they have been filled out
- Workshops and guidance on preparing for hearings
- One-on-one assistance
All services are available at no cost to residents of LA County.
Find a Center Near You
SHLAC locations are available throughout Los Angeles County. Residents looking for free legal guidance can visit dcba.lacounty.gov/legal-access-centers to find the nearest center.
