Civil Lawsuit Basics: When, Why & How to Settle a Civil Case

Class recorded October 1, 2020

For updated information on e-filing and filing court documents in-person during COVID-19, please click here. If your case is being heard in California state superior court, please be sure to visit your court’s website for the most recent updates. L.A. Superior Court’s website is here.

More than 90% of civil cases settle or are dismissed prior to trial, yet most litigants spend very little time thinking about whether or how to settle their cases. Learn when settlement makes sense, what resources and tools are available to you and how to negotiate effectively to get the best possible result without the uncertainty, time, and expense of taking a case all the way to trial.

Class covers:

  • How to frame your case in the best light
  • Whether settlement makes sense for your case
  • The role of a settlement officer or mediator
  • How to prepare for a negotiation
  • How to negotiate effectively
  • When to make an offer
  • How to decide what is a fair result
  • Documenting your settlement so you are protected

Presented by:
Sandra Levin, Executive Director, LA Law Library

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below.

{/show}

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Elder Abuse: Restraining Orders and Common Elder Scams

Class recorded September 1, 2020

Elder Abuse Restraining orders are an important protection tool to end abuse suffered by an elderly or dependent adult. This workshop will explore who can file for an Elder Abuse/Dependent Adult Restraining Order, identify different types of abuse, and where to find help.

Presented by:
Dani Kaiserman, Elder Justice Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Know Your Rights When Interacting With Police

Class recorded June 8, 2020

Interactions with law enforcement can be intimidating and unsettling. This class covers how to make smart choices when interacting with the police. Includes tips for how to respond when talking to the police on the street, in your car and in your home. Covers civil rights and responsibilities of the police and public.

Class covers:

  • Understanding the right to remain silent and consenting to a search
  • Tips for how to handle being questioned
  • Your rights in the event of an arrest
  • How to make good decisions during a traffic stop
  • What information to give an officer during a police stop
  • Options when witnessing police interactions.
  • And more!

Presented by:
Maria Hall, Attorney at Law
Markus McQueen, Attorney, The McQueen Firm
Juan Carlos Moran, Attorney, Equal Justice Works

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)."

{/show}

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Your Federal Tax Debt & Credits

This workshop discusses an “offer in compromise,” which can allow individuals who owe federal income taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to settle the debt for less than is owed. Learn who is eligible, how to complete the necessary forms, and how to submit the offer. Class will also cover what information the IRS takes into account in determining whether or not to accept an offer in compromise.

Presented by:
Krystal Ibarra, Director, Bet Tzedek Tax Project, Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Housing Rights of Tenants With Mental Health Disabilities

Class recorded September 4, 2020. 

For updated information on California’s COVID-19 eviction protections, see Housing Is Key. Although the statewide eviction moratorium expired September 30, 2021, tenants awaiting the results of a rental assistance application filed before March 31, 2022, may still qualify for eviction protections through June 30, 2022 (https://bit.ly/3JbLvCT). In addition, tenants in the City of Los Angeles may still be protected by the City’s eviction moratorium until the City declares the Covid-19 “state of emergency” over, and tenants in other parts of the County of L.A. may be protected by the County’s Updated COVID-19 Tenant Protections Resolution starting July 1, 2022. Contact our Reference desk at (213) 785-2513, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or via chat at https://bit.ly/341pHYU for further assistance.

This training will focus on the rights granted by fair housing laws to tenants with disabilities, including mental health disabilities. Topics covered will include how tenants can use the protections under fair housing laws to advocate for a reasonable accommodation, request an accommodation and negotiate with landlords through an interactive process to reach agreement. Situations like the need for emotional support animals, accommodations during threatened eviction and third party payments will be discussed.

Presented by:
Kyle Gilliam, Staff Attorney, Mental Health Advocacy Services

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

Hours / Location

LA Law Library
301 W. First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-785-2529
Click Here for Directions

Hours:

Monday - Friday:
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Branches / Partner Locations

Join Our Mailing List

To get more information about upcoming classes and events, please click here to join our mailing list.

Follow Us...Like Us...

Follow the LA Law Library on Instagram to see our latest posts.

Federal Depository

Federal Depository Logo

The LA Law Library is a selective government depository for both the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and State of California materials.

Accommodation Requests

CLICK HERE to fill out the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.

Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda & Accompanying Documents

Click the button below to view the upcoming agenda and board packet.

BoardAgenda BTN1

© LA Law Library 2024