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Silicon Valley

Lawyers & Courts

The section is designed to help legal consumers understand the legal system, locate lawyers, and to resolve disputes with lawyers. Information and resources in the Lawyers and the Courts Topic are conveniently organized by Sub-Topic (described below) and by state . A comprehensive section of International Resources is also available.

The Sub-Topics provide the following resources and information:

• Complaints & Disputes : Information about how to file a disciplinary action against the lawyer.
• Courts & Legal Process : Materials designed to help you understand the courts and your role in the system. You will find contact information for federal, state, and local courts, along with information about arbitration and mediation -- two alternate ways to resolve your legal problems.
• Fees & Costs : Resources and information describing the different kinds of legal fees, how to manage legal costs and expenses, and how to handle fee disputes with your lawyer.
• Hiring a Lawyer : Tools to help you evaluate whether to hire a lawyer or to handle your legal issues yourself. Resources describing the different types of legal service providers available, plus a list of questions you can ask before hiring a lawyer.
• Legal Aid & Clinics : Descriptions and listings to help you locate legal aid providers and legal clinics that offer legal services to people of moderate or low incomes.
• Legal Service Plans : Information about legal service plans and how they may be available to you as a benefit at work or through an individual plan.
• Referral Services : Resources intended to help you locate qualified and authorized legal referral plans in your state, city, or town.
• Self Representation : Resources and information to assist individuals who wish to represent themselves in legal actions. You will find directories and contact information for small claims courts in your jurisdiction.

• State Resources : Resources and information organized by US State.
• International Resources : Resources and information organized by Country.