Small Business Legal Guide

Employment Handbook

Working Woman's Guide

Web Guide

Silicon Valley

Lawyers & Courts

This section offers information and resources for consumers who are considering self representation as an alternative to hiring a lawyer. You may be able to resolve some legal problems yourself, perhaps through letter writing or by filing a small claims court action. You will find information on how to represent yourself "pro se" (meaning "on one's own behalf"), to use self-help legal resources, and to locate small claims courts. You may also be able to negotiate the matter on your own with assistance from government agencies or consumer assistance organizations . In addition to these general self-help resources, we offer legal materials by topic for consumers and small businesses .

• Small Claims Courts Information about small claims courts and procedures in your state.
• Consumer Topics Information provided by legal topic.
• Small Business Topics Specialized resources for starting and running your business.
• General Information Links to a variety of resources to determine whether you can represent your self.