"It always seems impossible until it’s done." - Nelson Mandela

At Open Door Legal, we have proven that universal access to civil legal representation dramatically reduces poverty and that the law really can belong to all of us.

We serve San Francisco’s low-income communities in Bayview, Excelsior and Western Addition. Open Door Legal represents clients in custody/visitation hearings in family law court, prevents illegal evictions, drafts living trusts, sues employers for illegal discrimination, files for changes in immigration status for individuals, assists clients in improving their credit scores, and helps with almost every other civil legal matter.

Check out this video: The Law Belongs to All of Us 

The Law Belongs to All of Us from Open Door Legal on Vimeo.

How Can I Volunteer?

1. Pro Bono Attorney: We provide attorneys the opportunity to work on one case at a time with us as a volunteer Attorney; a CA attorney license is not required. Our attorney staff is always available to support and train. Open Door Legal is unique in that we take civil suits for cases that do not have enough damages to be placed with private attorneys, thus providing great low-risk litigation opportunities in affirmative housing and personal injury cases. We also have many cases available for placement in family custody, probate and estate planning.
2. Pro Bono Clinics: Our brief service clinic program will allow attorneys to participate in work that can be done in a two to four hour duration, with Open Door Legal being solely responsible for any follow-up services. We would prefer commitment on a monthly recurring basis. Our brief service clinic program will likely provide services around small claims, collection defense answers, security deposits, wills and tenants rights.

Learn More About Us:

• Training: Westlaw is not currently available, but we do offer free CLEs.
• Supervision/Mentoring: Open Door Legal provides ongoing mentorship and technical assistance, including assistance from experienced staff and volunteers, throughout all pro bono work. Open Door Legal provides training, manuals and sample materials*
• Check out our website: www.opendoorlegal.org

How to get involved:

• Complete this online form to get involved.
• For specific requests, please contact Kelsey Renz at kelseyr@opendoorlegal.org