The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) is a voluntary bar association with more than 16,000 members throughout Los Angeles County, California, and the world. Founded in 1878, LACBA has strived to meet the professional needs of lawyers, advance the administration of justice, and provide the public with access to justice.
LACBA provides members with a range of benefits, including access to 30+ practice area Sections, in-person and online networking and educational events, continuing legal education credits, legal news, committee service, and pro bono opportunities.
Lawyer Referral Service
The Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), SmartLaw, was established in 1937 and was the first service of its kind in the United States. Members of the public use SmartLaw to find lawyers by phone or online. SmartLaw also provides basic legal information to the public on hundreds of legal issues. In 2022, SmartLaw referred over 16,000 clients.
In 2016, the LRS began a “flat fee” program designed to deliver affordable legal services to members of the public. To support access to justice and to better serve the public, all participating attorneys are vetted for experience in respective practice areas, professional liability insurance, good standing, and other professional requirements. SmartLaw is certified by the State Bar of California to operate in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County.
Los Angeles Lawyer magazine
For over 40 years, LACBA's Los Angeles Lawyer magazine has published timely legal articles written by lawyers and for lawyers. LACBA members are emailed electronic issues of the magazine, which each contain leadership messages, practice tips, and opportunities to earn continuing legal education credits.
LACBA's Publications Department also makes the following services and publications available to its members:
Free to members, Daily EBriefs provide summaries of cases decided in the previous 24 hours by the U.S. Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, California Supreme Court, and California Court of Appeal. Link to the full case text are included. The Corporate Counsel's Guide to California Firms and Attorneys is published annually as a special edition to the magazine. Published annually since 1991, Southern California Directory of Experts & Consultants lists thousands of medical, technical, forensic, scientific, and legal experts.
LACBA Counsel for Justice Projects
For more than 50 years, CFJ LACBA Counsel for Justice (CFJ). has brought together law firms, foundations, corporations, donors and volunteers in an effort to provide equal access to legal services in the Los Angeles community. CFJ connects clients in need with pro bono and discounted legal work within its four key areas.
CFJ services and staff are supported by fundraising and cy pres awards.
LACBA Matters by Collen Hart and Lana Manganiello
Four pro bono programs under LACBA CFJ
AIDS Legal Services Project provides a lifeline to dignity and fundamental rights, including representation for estate planning, housing, healthcare access, privacy, debt relief, and immigration.
Domestic Violence Legal Services Project offers access to the protections of the civil legal system by providing free legal information, forms preparation assistance, and referrals to victims of abuse in restraining order cases, including domestic violence and elder abuse.
Immigration Legal Assistance Project keeps families together and provides accurate information about immigration rights by providing immigration advice to citizens, immigrants, and aliens, and preparing immigration and naturalization forms.
Veterans Legal Services Project clears access barriers to veteran housing, employment, and financial stability by assisting with clearing traffic and criminal records, small business development, family law issues, military discharge upgrades, and advocating for low-incometenants.