The Federal Pro Se Program at the San Jose Courthouse
Are you thinking about filing a case or are you already representing yourself in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California — San Jose Division and need legal advice? If so, you may speak with a lawyer at the Federal Pro Se Program. There is no fee for this service. Help is provided by appointment and on a drop-in basis.
The Federal Pro Se Program lawyer provides limited assistance as follows:
- Information to help you understand the federal court processes and procedures that you need to follow;
- Help determining where your case should be filed;
- Explanations of court orders and other paperwork;
- Answers to your procedural (but not general legal) questions; and
- Referrals to appropriate legal, social, and government services.
Location & Office Hours
280 South 1st Street
2nd Floor, Room 2070
San Jose, CA 95113
Monday to Thursday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
152 North 3rd Street
3rd Floor
San Jose, CA 95112
Monday to Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fridays by appointment only.
Phone: 408-297-1480
Services
The Federal Pro Se Program attorney will provide information about legal rights and responsibilities and about the court procedures applicable to your civil case, limited-scope legal advice, help preparing simple pleadings, and referrals to legal, social, and government services.
If you seek help from the Federal Pro Se Program, you will still represent yourself. The attorney at the Federal Pro Se Program can provide information, advice and basic legal help but does not represent litigants as their lawyer.
If you do not speak English or have difficulty with English, please bring someone to your appointment who can translate for you. the Federal Pro Se Program cannot provide a translator.
Who May Use The Federal Pro Se Program
Anyone who is representing him/herself as a plaintiff or a defendant in a civil case in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California—San Jose division, or who is considering filing a complaint in that division. This service is not available to litigants who have legal representation.
The Federal Pro Se Program does not provide help with: bankruptcy, habeas corpus, prisoner, appeals, state court, and/or criminal questions, or any question concerning a case not pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California—San Jose division.
How to Make an Appointment
Help is provided by appointment and on a drop-in basis. To make an appointment:
- Stop by the Federal Pro Se Program at Room 2070 in the San Jose United States Courthouse or The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, 152 N. 3rd Street, 3rd Floor, San Jose, CA and sign up in person or
- Call 408 297-1480.