We envision living in a society where reliable and affordable legal support is available to all those creating the transition to resilient local economies. 

The Resilient Communities Legal Cafe offers donation-based, first-come, first-serve legal advice sessions, available both virtually and occasionally in person. For all sessions, those who RSVP will receive appointment slots by email. Have no fear! Our dedicated staff and volunteer attorneys are here to provide the guidance you need, whether you join us online or in person!

Our award-winning Resilient Communities Legal Cafes rotate locations and happen three times per month, virtually, near BART stations in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond.

If you need advice about starting a worker-owned cooperative, converting an existing business into a cooperative, organizing a housing cooperative, founding a nonprofit or other social enterprise, then our Legal Cafe is for you! Here are some questions we will be prepared to answer:

❖ Radical real estate law: How to form a housing cooperative, real estate cooperative, or nonprofit housing? 
❖ Legal formation for small businesses: What are the regulations and requirements to have your organization legally function?
❖ Legal entity choice: Should your org be a for profit, non-profit, and which legal entity fits best with your vision?
❖ Employment law: Whether you're an employer, employee, or a cooperative, we can answer questions on how to prevent or resolve issues?
❖ Tax law: What are the ways to receive tax exemption for your org?
❖ Contracts: Contract review, drafting, and negotiation
❖ Liability issues: What are your governance requirements to avoid liability?
❖ Environmental law: Do you have questions about how to create more green spaces for your community?
❖ Worker Self Directed Nonprofits:  How can you run your nonprofit organization more like a worker-owned cooperative?

RSVP for upcoming cafes and teach-ins on our Legal Cafe events calendar to ensure your place at the cafe. We also accept walk-ins! If RSVPs are sold out, don't let that stop you from coming! You are welcome to drop in and wait for an attorney as well. 

Are You A Lawyer or Law Student? 

Looking for a community of like minded legal professionals cultivating the legal roots of just and resilient economies? Then you're in the right place! Sign up to volunteer at our Resilient Communities Legal Cafe or level up your legal expertise by watching videos of our MCLE workshops.