LA Law Library

The Rule of Law in the News: Derek Chauvin’s conviction for the murder of George Floyd (https://cnn.it/3sBQe8A) reminds us that the Rule of Law the principle that no person stands above the fair administration of well-defined and established laws is not just a historical theory; it is a current and crucial concept in the American justice system. Join LA Law Library and the American Bar Association in our celebration of the Rule of Law this Law Day, next Friday, April 30, with classes on fighting public corruption, the importance of due process, how to help immigrant victims of violence, and more - http://www.lalawlibrary.org/lawday2021. Check it out and sign up to save your spot today!

Coming to America: The Biden administration continues to struggle with determining the right cap on the number of refugees allowed into the country each year https://tinyurl.com/y3us7rf9. Explore current immigration topics with two live Zoom events at LA Law Library this month! First, join author Jessica Goudeau at our book discussion group on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. when we discuss After the Last Border and the issues facing refugee families https://tinyurl.com/bu7aaa8v. Then, on Law Day, Friday, April 30, 12:00 1:00 p.m., attend Advocating for Immigrant Victims & the Violence Against Women Act of 2021 (1.0 hour general MCLE credit for attorneys, but open to all) https://bit.ly/3gqnJs1.

Gun Regulation: POTUS announced new efforts to curb gun violence, including a plan to crack down on ghost guns (self-assembled, untraceable guns) and a model red flag law that states can enact to temporarily bar people who pose a threat to themselves or others from accessing firearms (https://bit.ly/3dhHU9M). You can find a summary of California state and federal firearms law here, https://bit.ly/3dYuGxz, and contact LA Law Library to access books like California Gun Laws: A Guide to State and Federal Fire Arm Regulations (https://bit.ly/3tbl0WZ) for updated, reliable and in-depth information. Contact us six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Rent Relief: Beginning March 30, tenants in the City of Los Angeles with rent debt because of COVID-related financial hardship can apply directly for relief or landlords can apply for them. Eligibility information and applications can be found on the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department website (https://hcidla.lacity.org/) through April 30. California landlords and tenants outside the City of L.A. can apply for rent relief through the state program (https...://bit.ly/3flBw2A). For more info, attend LA Law Library’s free online class Eviction Protections During COVID-19 (https://bit.ly/3syAP9H) or go to the California Courts’ website to learn about new eviction laws (https://bit.ly/3cyDMlq). Contact LA Law Library for more resources on landlord/tenant law, such as California Tenants' Rights (https://bit.ly/3m2ZRvj) and Renters' Rights (https://bit.ly/3dduSJa). Call (213) 785-2513, email [email protected], or chat at https://bit.ly/2XdH0C0 for assistance with these and other resources. See more

Big Money for College Athletes? Just as March Madness wrapped up, the Supreme Court considered eliminating the ban on college athletes earning money from their college sports careers: https://bloom.bg/3uxW5gz. Some argue a ban on outside money is lawful, while others argue it is an antitrust or even a civil rights violation (https://n.pr/3dL5MkZ). Listen to oral argument in the case here: https://bit.ly/3fSadgD. Or learn more about sports law with titles like Sports Law: Governance and Regulation (https://bit.ly/3wI0dg2), available to current LA Law Library borrowers through our will-call pickup service. For more information about this or any legal topic, feel free to contact us six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

The California Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision last week (https://bit.ly/3fpg9NG) requiring trial judges to take into account the arrestee’s ability to pay when determining the amount of cash bail. The Court’s holding that a cash bail requirement is unconstitutional if it effectively detains the arrestee ‘solely because’ the arrestee ‘lacked the resources’ to post bail -- was immediately dubbed a gigantic, momentous decision. https://bayareane.ws/2O04R7x. The... decision also greatly expands the role of bail alternative programs like own recognizance and electronic monitoring, which you can learn about in LA Law Library’s online class on the subject https://bit.ly/31tNvD1. For more information and to access the Law library’s extensive civil and criminal law resources, contact Reference at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU, six days a week. See more

LA Law Library is pleased to offer the following federal and California tax forms & instructions in print at the Main Library: United States Tax Forms 1040 & 1040 SR and Instructions in English and Spanish, and California forms 540EZ English and Spanish and 540 Resident. We can also assist you in finding any other digitally available tax forms that you may need. Contact us at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU, for assistance or to reserve your print forms for pickup.

Stressing about taxes? California just extended the state tax filing deadline for individuals from April 15 to May 17 (https://tinyurl.com/jak89k5c), after the IRS did the same for individual federal tax returns (https://tinyurl.com/4dwzbb83). LA Law Library is here to help with printed tax forms through our will-call pickup program, plus general books like Taxes Made Easy (https://tinyurl.com/xxa2mdcu) and specialized titles like Every Airbnb Host’s Tax Guide (https://tinyurl.com/yhyb4rnb), and The Real Estate Agent’s Tax Deduction Guide (https://tinyurl.com/4n9eeapc). Contact us for help accessing these and many other tax resources at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Help is here for renters and landlords affected by Covid-19 (https://bit.ly/3laQo4E), but the process for claiming assistance isn’t clear quite yet. California just made available a hotline and website to help you find out if you’ll be eligible for financial assistance (833-430-2122, https://bit.ly/2NbC53g), and an application is coming soon. In the meantime, learn about eviction protections during Covid-19 with LA Law Library’s online class (https://bit.ly/3qBtgNS), and attend a Q&A session with a landlord-tenant attorney (https://bit.ly/3rSylCR). As always, we are here to help six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Stressing about taxes? The IRS just extended the federal tax filing deadline for individuals from April 15 to May 17 (https://tinyurl.com/4dwzbb83). LA Law Library is here to help with printed tax forms through our will-call pickup program, plus general books like Taxes Made Easy (https://tinyurl.com/xxa2mdcu) and specialized titles like Every Airbnb Host’s Tax Guide (https://tinyurl.com/yhyb4rnb), and The Real Estate Agent’s Tax Deduction Guide (https://tinyurl.com/4n9eeapc). Contact us for help accessing these and many other tax resources at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Celebrate the day in the traditional way https://tinyurl.com/3zc68fpt OR by learning more about current legal issues affecting the Emerald Isle, like the U.K.’s departure from the European Union (or Brexit), which will affect Northern Ireland particularly. Our renowned foreign and international law collection includes treatises on Brexit such as Brexit: The Legal Implications https://tinyurl.com/2r43rtzk and The Law & Politics of Brexit https://tinyurl.com/mwme6kvw, and Beer; part 245 of title 26, Code of Federal regulations https://tinyurl.com/yh85urp4. which can be checked out through our will call book pick up program during the closure (https://tinyurl.com/ygwg93qe). Slainte!

What do LA Law Library and Fiona Apple share in common? Neither was present at the Grammys and they both advocate transparency in court proceedings and access to information https://tinyurl.com/5ewkx8mb. Check out LALL’s Freedom of Information Day (March 16) programs https://tinyurl.com/563sfc6k for free programs about accessing government information, including court proceedings and public records!

On the one-year anniversary of the American shutdown due to the pandemic, POTUS signed into law the $1.9 trillion relief package. See the official summary and text of the bill here: https://bit.ly/2OgqctC. Do you have a question about what’s in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021? LA Law Library has got you covered. Whether you are a small business owner, landlord or tenant, teacher or essential worker, get the vital information you need. Contact us six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU. And for more information about legal issues during COVID-19 check out LA Law Library’s online classes https://bit.ly/2PokeU4 and our list of COVID-19 legal information and resources https://bit.ly/39JdBW1.

It’s time to celebrate Women’s History Month! The 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote turns 101 this year, and libraries and institutions throughout the country are marking the occasion - https://womenshistorymonth.gov/. Here at LA Law Library, registered borrowers may check out a wealth of materials through our will-call book pickup program (https://bit.ly/3qwNHvk), including Suffrage at 100: Women in American Politics Since 1920 (https://bit.ly/3bukygd), And Yet They P...ersisted: How American Women Won the Right to Vote (https://bit.ly/30ljdBY), and Women's Suffrage: The Complete Guide to the 19th Amendment (https://bit.ly/3qxkHDz). We also now house the American Bar Association’s display on the passage of the 19th Amendment and women’s suffrage which will be accessible on site when we reopen our buildings to the public. Contact us to reserve your book or research any legal issue, (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU. See more

COVID-19 Relief for Tenants: Yesterday, Gov. Newsom signed a bill clarifying protections for tenants affected by COVID-19, including prohibiting most lawsuits to collect on rent debt or evict a tenant until Aug. 1, 2021 (full text here: https://bit.ly/3ksm6Kn, and more information about the new laws here: https://bit.ly/2ZOUYMg). If you're a tenant or a landlord with a question about the complicated protections currently in effect, attend one of LA Law Library's Ask a Lawyer Q&A sessions, next one on Thurs Mar 4, 5:00-6:30 pm - https://bit.ly/2MpytKI, or contact us six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Help for Small Business: The pandemic has hurt many small businesses, but it also presents rare opportunities. Celebrate Black History Month and learn how to grow your small business during Covid-19 this Tues, Feb 23, 5:00-6:00 pm with speaker Arna Fulcher (https://bit.ly/3u7FxfP), including info on resources for Black and minority-owned businesses. For in-depth instruction on other essential business topics enroll in the full Business Series at LA Law Library (https://bit.ly/3auTkoZ), and contact us six days a week at (213) 785-2513, [email protected], or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU.

Thank you for another fantastic Pro Bono Week! From the incredible presenters to the remarkable volunteer attorneys and our friends and neighbors, both old and new, thank you for trusting us to help you with your legal issues. Please continue to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are always here to help you find the right direction when navigating our legal system. LA Law Library

Disabilities shouldn’t stop anyone from voting! Join the live stream class, Voters with Disabilities: Accessible Voting to learn about accessible voting systems, vote centers and Covid-19’s impact on election administration. Thurs Oct 29, 1:30 2:30 p.m., taught by Disability Rights California Voting Rights Practice Group. Sign up here, https://bit.ly/2STWdGy, and see the full lineup of Pro Bono Week events at http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org. #votingrights #disabilityrights #vote2020 #vote #California #LosAngeles #downtownlosangeles #countyoflosangeles #wereheretohelp #inthistogether #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary

Can you get a refund for your car insurance? Attend our Zoom class, Car Insurance During COVID-19 tonight, 10/28 at 6pm, to learn what car insurance actually covers, how much coverage you might need, and what refunds are being provided during COVID-19. To register, visit https://bit.ly/35NZCNc or call 213-784-7379. #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary #carinsurance #covid19 #automobile #carbuff #classiscars #staysafe #teendrivers #drive #cityoflosangeles #countyoflosangeles #downtownla #movingviolation #speedingticket

Handling a death is difficult no matter the circumstances. Join us on 10/30 at 10:30am as our friends from @MyLegalTeamLA present this informative Zoom presentation on when probate is needed to distribute a deceased person’s assets and how to fill out the petition form in probate court. To register please visit http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/index.html or call 213-784-7379. #probate #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary #knowledgeispower #wereinthistogether #cityoflosangeles #downtownla #countyoflosangeles

Need free help with a legal issue? Extra help is available right now because it’s Pro Bono Week!! With nearly 70 classes, workshops and live events, there’s help on almost any legal topic. Visit http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/index.html to see what’s available and sign up. We’d love to have you join us! Sandi Levin, Executive Director, LA Law Library #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary #accesstojustice #wereheretohelp #cityoflosangeles #losangelescounty #downtownlosangeles #wereinthistogether #california #covid19 #legalhelp

Want to know if your ballot is being counted? Where’s My Ballot? is a new way for voters to track and receive notications on the status of their drop box or vote-by-mail ballot. It lets you know where your ballot is, and its status, every step of the way. Sign-up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notications about your ballot. #vote #vote2020

People with disabilities still face barriers to exercising their right to vote but some of those barriers can be eliminated. Join the live stream class, Voters with Disabilities: Accessible Voting to learn about accessible voting systems, vote centers and Covid-19’s impact on election administration. Thurs Oct 29, 1:30 2:30 p.m., taught by Disability Rights California's Voting Rights Practice Group. Sign up here, https://bit.ly/2STWdGy, and see the full lineup of Pro Bo...no Week events at http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org. #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary #legalassitance #freelegalhelp #accesstojustice #inthistogether #helpinghands #volunteers #wereheretohelp #community #neighbors #helpingothers #lawlibrarylife #legaleagles #california #justask #losangeles #lawlibraries #werehereforyou #covid19 #werestillhere #GoOutAndVote #vote2020 #disabilityrights

LA Law Library Pro Bono Week 2020 is almost here! We would like to take this time to thank all of our amazing partners and supporters. Without you, without working as a team, we couldn’t have made this event the largest and most successful legal assistance fair in Southern California. Visit our partners page http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/partners.html for more information about the most amazing group of organizations providing access to justice for all! #celebrateprobono #lalawlibrary #ktla #legalassitance #freelegalhelp #accesstojustice #inthistogether #helpinghands #volunteers #wereheretohelp #community #neighbors #helpingothers #lawlibrarylife #legaleagles #california #justask #losangeles #lawlibraries #werehereforyou #downtownLA #covid19 #werestillhere #internationallaw #eyewitness

Has the pandemic changed your family situation? Many families need to change child support or custody plans due to COVID-19’s broad impacts (loss of income or employment, changing schedules and educational needs, increased domestic abuse, etc). Sign up for the live stream class Modification of Child Custody Orders to learn how the process works, Fri Oct 30 12:00 1:00 https://bit.ly/37ayvhB. See the full lineup of online classes, including Child Custody, Support and Visi...tation and Past Due Child Support: What Now? at http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/. #CelebrateProBono #legalassitance #freelegalhelp #accesstojustice #inthistogether #helpinghands #wereheretohelp #community #neighbors #helpingothers #lawlibrarylife #legaleagles #california #justask #losangeles #lawlibraries #werehereforyou #downtownLA #covid19 #werestillhere #family #childcustody #visitation #visitationorder #childsupport See more

COVID-19 is creating financial hardship for a lot of people. If you need help or guidance navigating your issues with debt, sign up for Individual Counseling on Debt and Bankruptcy to learn about your options, including whether bankruptcy can help. Sign up here, https://bit.ly/34iiILR and see the full lineup of Pro Bono Week events at http://probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org/.

Racial equality and police reform are on the ballot this year, including Measure J to reallocate county funds to incarceration alternatives (https://kcrw.co/3lPezET), and the race for district attorney, where Jackie Lacey is being challenged by George Gascón (https://bit.ly/3iVI9H2). Learn more and join the conversation with our Zoom panel discussion, Racial Bias in Policing: Defund, Defend or Reform? Thurs, Oct 29, 6:30 8:00 p.m. (http://www.lalawlibrary.org/hidden/1635...-racial-bias-pbw2020). Experts including law professors, lawyers, and an LAPD representative will discuss racial bias in policing, what defund the police really means, and other ways to reform policing in Los Angeles and the nation. Sign up and save your spot today! #civilrights #police #CelebrateProBono #lalawlibrary #inthistogether #community #NEIGHBORHOOD #losangeles #losangelescounty #accesstojustice #wereheretohelp #lawenforcement See more

In recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the residents of Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Thank you @LACountyBOS and to our amazing Pro Bono Week Partners for your continued support and dedication as we help ensure access to justice for all. #celebrateprobono #losangelescounty #helpingothers #wereinthistogether #wereheretohelp #LAlife #livinginLA #lawlibraries #lawlibrarylife #lawlibrarians #countyoflosangeles #accesstojustice

If you or someone you know, needs legal assistance or would like to speak to a lawyer, this series of classes and workshops, includes one-on-one counseling and information needed to take the next steps. Brought to you by our friends My Legal Team, Inc., Public Counsel Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles To register, please visit probonoweek.lalawlibrary.org or call 213-784-7379. #lawyers #heretohelp #celebrateprobono #legalhelp #cityoflosangeles #countyoflosangeles #downtownlosangeles