The Small Claims Clinic provides free limited legal assistance for low to moderate income individuals and businesses with small claim issues. TJSL alumni attorneys and law students provide half-hour consultations to litigants who need assistance when being sued, suing another party, or help recovering money for a small claims judgment. The small claims issues must involve monetary claims for $10,000 or less. The type of claims the Small Claims Clinic provides assistance with includes, but is not limited to, landlord tenant, consumer, personal injury, and breach of contract claims. The clinic does not provide assistance for non-claims issues, including evictions, restraining orders, divorce, child support, injunctions, and traffic tickets.
The Small Claims Clinic meets every first and third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call (619) 961-4371. If you have an appointment scheduled, please make sure to bring all documents regarding your legal issue, so the attorneys and law students can assist you best. Thomas Jefferson School of Law students who are interested in volunteering in a Small Claims Clinic should email self-helpclinics@tjsl.edu.