Open Door Legal: Bayview - San Francisco, California

Thomas H.

Although they were unwilling to take my case, their parameters and criteria were clear and I was allowed to ask all the questions I needed to ask to move forward with my case on my own. All minutes from our meeting were provided to me, if I needed more legal information or help I would definitely return.

Corey H.

How can the Firm be called Open Door Legal when you don't have an open door policy? When I call it keeps directing me to a form to fill out.

Lorena H. A.

I do not recommend this legal agency to anyone for several reasons. I contacted this agency more than one time. I personally did not have positive experiences. First, one attorney I discussed my issue with appeared frustrated when I discussed my cases. When I contacted Open Door Legal to discuss another issue, I was assigned to the same attorney. I did not mind speaking with her again. I thought that maybe the previous time she was having a bad day; however, her attitude was the same, she would yell at me during our meeting and appeared very frustrated. I contacted a supervisor and asked if the zoom meetings were being recorded so they could view it and see for themselves that the attorney was unprofessional and rude. The zoom meetings were not being recorded.

Second, this agency does not protect our privacy, they have violated privacy, legal laws. When I would called the agency to make an appointment, anyone, including receptionists, have access to all documents we submit. I contacted the California Bar Association to inquire about the guidelines and I was informed that attorneys have the legal responsibility to protect all clients personal and legal information; information that we submit through their website should be attorney/client privilege, and no one else has the right to know what we discuss with our attorneys, even if they do not take our cases.

Third, months after I submitted my documents, they still had them in the general mailbox accessible for anyone to read them. I do not trust this agency.

Fourth, I requested my information to be removed from their system but they have not done it. I am filing a complaint with the California Bar Association against those two attorneys that have not removed my documents from their system.

Fifth, Camille, the supervisor, banned me completely from their agency after discussing my concerns.

Finally, the only thing positive issue they assisted me with was with an Advanced Health Directive, but I gave a donation of more than $50. This was the first issue Open Door Legal helped me with and this was the reason why I seek assistance from them for other issues.

I have decided to represent myself in some of my cases in Federal and State courts. It is difficult to represent oneself but Federal courts have a limited scope pro-bono attorneys who help a lot. Also, the Federal court has a Pro-Se guide that is extremely helpful.

I highly recommend people to immediately report unprofessional attorneys who work for these agencies because they were not able to make it and are frustrated with themselves; therefore, doing a disservice to the poor. Open Door Legal claim to help the poor and disadvantaged. They are getting funds from agencies or government to fund their jobs, but help very little, or nothing.
You will just the same or even better if you start representing yourself. Believe in yourselves!

Christian A.

They really dont Care, since my first approach Perla was rejecting to get my case, 4 calls full of excuses, I was explaining them all my case every call and clarifying their excuses, but always on the next call was immediately with a new excuse to refuse my case

Kiki S.

I feel safe donating money to Open Door Legal because their staff is trustworthy, kind, and open. The work they're doing is wonderful for an underserved community and betters the lives of everyone they help.

We need more lawyers like these!

Antonio A. V.

Open Door Legal is an amazing legal community resource. I had a serious legal problem of housing discrimination that slumlord unlawfully deprived me of my unit, and I could not get help anywhere else in the City and County of San Francisco. I ended up in the court system on my own, until I found Open Door Legal. I was able to win my case in a settlement, which led me get back into housing. Now, I am back in school studying Master's in Psychology, and graduating in Summer of year 2019.

Aja H.

Open Door Legal is one of the best nonprofits out there. Their committed team, thoughtful leadership, culturally-sensitive attorneys, and deep organizational belief in legal access for all make Open Door Legal an outstanding organization to support. They provide legal access in all civil practice areas to those living in the Bayview/Hunters Point - this shouldn't be such a rare service, but unfortunately is. My personal favorite service ODL provides is low and no-cost estate planning to residents of the neighborhood, which keeps literally millions of dollars in the hands of longtime residents' families. More nonprofits (as well as cities and counties!) should follow Open Door Legal's model of legal access for all.

Valerie B.

ODL has been such a great addition to our neighborhood where the majority of us are SF Originals living within the low income threshold. Before ODL, there has never been a one stop legal resource center for residents like myself that was full service. ODL has helped me with Family Law, Civil Law and assisted me with communicating with the police when needed, The have assisted me with making sure my sons IEP and 504 plans were implemented and met. They go above and beyond. And with out kind heated attorneys who really work for the community, this agency would not be possible. All the staff at ODL are respectful, diligent and show real empathy for our community. Thanks