An appeal is very different from trial court proceedings. There are many misconceptions about how appeals work and what the appellate courts will consider. Learn what an appeal is, the steps to take to appeal a trial court decision and the importance of the concept of harmful, judicial error.

Mistakes happen in the course of a civil lawsuit. For example, a defendant may fail to respond to a lawsuit within the required time, resulting in a "default," which terminates the rights of the defendant to dispute the allegations. Or, a plaintiff may fail to respond to a defense motion, resulting in dismissal of the lawsuit. In this class, learn how to get back on track by asking a judge to "set aside" (or undo) defaults and other mistakes in California state courts.

A civil lawsuit starts with the filing and service of a written complaint; the defendant must then file an answer or other response. These are called pleadings, and they set the stage for all that comes afterward in the lawsuit. In this class, learn how to prepare, file, serve and respond to civil case pleadings in California state court.

 A motion is how you request that a court order someone to do something in your lawsuit. Motions are made to obtain many types of orders: to postpone a trial to a later date, to modify an order for child support, to get a judgment without going to trial, to get a rehearing or a new trial, or for sanctions when a party breaks the rules (just to name a few). A motion for any of these orders can have a huge impact on your case. This class is intended to give an overview of how motions work in California state court and the rules of procedure that apply to making, filing, serving and opposing motions.

The process of discovery in a civil lawsuit allows a party to obtain information and documents relevant to the suit. This helps the parties know ahead of time what evidence might be presented at trial, or to resolve the case prior to trial. In this class, learn about subpoenas and requests for production (RFPs) in California state court civil cases, in order to discover written documents and other physical objects you might need to prove your case or defend yourself successfully.

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.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues. This can make it difficult to protect your civil rights, including your right to be free from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education. In this class, learn about your civil rights under state and federal law, how these rights are protected, and resources available to help. Learning important fundamentals about civil rights can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues, which can make child custody and support problems daunting. In this class, learn how courts determine who gets child custody, who pays child support and how child support is calculated, plus where to go when you need help or further information. Learning important fundamentals about custody and support can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Many people need to find important court records, but doing so can be complicated. Although most documents filed with a court are public record and accessible to anyone, each court makes records available in different ways, and surprisingly few are freely available online. In this class, learn how to locate and access common types of court documents from state and federal courts.

New and growing businesses must enter into a variety of contracts, with landlords, suppliers, and clients, to name a few. Learn how to read common “boilerplate” contractual language and negotiate contractual terms to your advantage.

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.

Many people can't afford a lawyer to handle their legal issues. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, if you are facing property rental issues in California without a lawyer, this class will help you get started by teaching you essential information about your rights and responsibilities and what resources are available to help. Learning important fundamentals about landlord-tenant law can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

As a business owner, you try to do things that set you apart from the competition. Usually, you do not want the competition to know your important business information, and you don't want them to profit from your creative expressions and original works. In this class, learn how to protect the information and work that gives your business an edge.

Many successful businesses develop important assets that are "intangible," including trademarks identifying your products (or services) in the flow of commerce, and patents to protect scientific inventions. Learn how to protect such assets and ensure your company's continued success.

Exporting can be a great untapped source of revenue for Los Angeles area businesses. Learn about the resources available to beginning exporters and the nuts and bolts of starting your own export business.

Even though the proceedings are simplified, going to small claims court can be intimidating. You have to know certain basic information to win your claim or defend against someone else's. This class provides information you need to go to small claims court with confidence. You will also learn about free resources available to help. Learning important legal fundamentals about small claims court can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Planning for the end of life, illness or disability is complicated, and it’s hard to know where to start. Preparing proper legal documentation now, while you are still able, can protect your loved ones financially and emotionally in case of death or incapacity. Learning important legal fundamentals about wills, trusts and advanced health care planning can make your legal journey easier and more successful.