Client Success Story
Living on SSI and Sued Over a Debt
How a volunteer attorney spotted what the client couldn't have known and got the case dismissed.
Read the story →
Community Newsletter · October 2026
Welcome to the first Riverside Legal Aid newsletter. Each month we'll share practical guides, free workshops near you, and stories from the people doing this work in Riverside and the Coachella Valley. sample
Marlene MendozaDevelopment & Engagement Manager
New Guide
Conservatorships and Guardianships in California: A Guide for Riverside County Families
Guardianships are generally for children; conservatorships are for adults. Here's how they differ, what less-restrictive options may work instead, and what the court process looks like.
Read the guideMeet Our Team
Michael Gayler
Supervising Attorney, Housing Program
"Don't ignore court papers. This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give."
A Coachella Valley native, Michael leads RLA's Eviction Defense and Tenant Rights programs and is a passionate advocate for housing stability and homelessness prevention. Before RLA, he practiced family law in Riverside County.
Read Michael's advice for tenants →Free Workshops
Coming up in October
Free and open to the public. No appointment needed unless noted.
OCT13
Know Your Rights: Tenant Workshop
Attorneys walk tenants through eviction defense, unlawful detainers, unsafe living conditions and unfair landlord practices, with time for your questions.
OCT15
Know Your Rights: Tenant Workshop
A morning session on the same essentials: what to do when you get an eviction notice and what rights you have regardless of residency status.
OCT26
Free Bankruptcy Help Clinic Walk-in
Volunteer attorneys give free guidance to people handling their own bankruptcy case. Arrive early; help is first come, first served.
OCT28
Know Your Rights: Tenant Workshop Evening
An after-work session for tenants who can't make daytime workshops, covering eviction defense and safe, habitable housing.
From the Blog
Volunteer Voices
Why I Volunteer with Riverside Legal Aid
Attorney Rick Norris on pro bono work and why he keeps coming back.
Read more →Attorneys: Volunteer With Us
A few hours of your time can keep a family housed
Riverside Legal Aid was founded by volunteer attorneys, and they're still how we reach thousands of clients a year. Every area of practice helps.
- Earn State Bar recognition with the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Service
- Newer attorneys get training and hands-on experience across multiple areas of law
- Give back to your own community, from Riverside to the Coachella Valley
Need Legal Help?
Free for eligible Riverside County residents, in English and Spanish
Riverside Office4129 Main Street, Suite 101
Riverside, CA 92501(951) 682-7968
Riverside, CA 92501(951) 682-7968
Indio Office45561 Oasis Street, Suite 101
Indio, CA 92201(760) 347-9456
Indio, CA 92201(760) 347-9456
Support Our Work
Everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of income
Every client we help is served free of charge. Private donations keep our clinics open and help us reach the growing number of neighbors who can't afford an attorney.
$10helps an elder-abuse victim get a restraining order or remove an abuser from their home
$150helps a domestic violence survivor obtain a restraining order so a family can live safely
$225helps secure a guardianship so a child can live in a stable home
$500funds a family law clinic serving 5 to 7 clients with divorce, support or custody
Ways to give
OnlineCredit or debit card through PayPal. Takes a minute.
ZelleSend directly from your banking app. Details on our donate page.
Cy pres awardsAttorneys: name RLA as a recipient of residual class action or probate funds.
Riverside Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID 95-3739865.
Riverside Legal Aid · 4129 Main Street, Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92501
This newsletter provides general information, not legal advice.
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