Santa Cruz attorney Sasha Brodsky recommends the following resources for residents of Santa Cruz County and California who are seeking general legal information. While it is generally advisable to hire an attorney for legal matters, there are situations where self-representation may be appropriate, particularly in small claims court or for simple legal matters.
If you choose to represent yourself, it is important to understand the law and the procedures that apply to your case. The following resources can help you with legal research and self-education.
These resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have a legal question or need legal representation, please contact our office.
California Courts and Self-Help
California Courts Self-Help Guide
The Judicial Council's plain-language guide to common court matters, including evictions, small claims, restraining orders, and responding to a lawsuit, with links to the forms each step requires.
selfhelp.courts.ca.govSmall Claims in California
How small claims court works, who can sue, the dollar limits, and how to file or respond. Lawyers generally cannot appear for parties at a small claims hearing, so this guide is written for people handling the case themselves.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/small-claimsJudicial Council Court Forms
The official Judicial Council forms used in California courts, searchable by form number or topic.
courts.ca.gov/forms-rulesCalifornia Courts
The official website of the California court system, providing court forms, self-help resources, published opinions, and information about court procedures.
courts.ca.govSanta Cruz County Superior Court
The local court serving Santa Cruz County, providing court calendars, forms, filing information, and self-help resources for civil, family, and small claims matters.
santacruz.courts.ca.govStatutes and Jury Instructions
California Legislative Information
The Legislature's official database of the California codes. Use it to read a statute cited on this site, such as Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 (personal injury deadline) or Civil Code section 1950.5 (security deposits).
leginfo.legislature.ca.govCalifornia Civil Jury Instructions (CACI)
The Judicial Council's official civil jury instructions. For each common claim, such as breach of contract, negligence, or fraud, an “essential factual elements” instruction lists in plain language what a jury must find, which makes CACI a practical checklist for what has to be proved.
courts.ca.govChecking an Attorney's License
State Bar of California Attorney Search
Look up any California lawyer's license status, admission date, and public discipline record before hiring them. Sasha Brodsky's record is at California Bar #199874.
apps.calbar.ca.govGeneral Legal Information
Nolo Press
A leading publisher of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Nolo provides books, forms, and online information on a wide range of legal topics.
nolo.comFindLaw
One of the most comprehensive legal resources on the internet, providing legal information, lawyer profiles, and case law for consumers and legal professionals.
findlaw.comGuides From Brodsky Law
These articles explain what must be proved for common California claims and the deadlines that apply. Each is written by Sasha Brodsky.
Contracts and Business
- Elements of Breach of Contract: the four elements and the filing deadlines for written and oral contracts.
- Elements of Promissory Estoppel: enforcing a promise when there is no formal contract.
- Elements of Unjust Enrichment: recovering a benefit someone kept unfairly, and how restitution works.
- Elements of Breach of Fiduciary Duty: claims against partners, officers, directors, and others in a position of trust.
Fraud, Property, and Reputation
- Elements of Fraudulent Misrepresentation: false statements, reliance, and damages.
- Elements of Conversion: suing over property or money someone took or kept.
- Elements of Defamation: libel, slander, and the defenses that apply.
- Elements of IIED: what counts as extreme and outrageous conduct.
Injury and Real Property
- How to Prove Negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- Elements of Premises Liability: injuries caused by unsafe property conditions.
- Elements of Adverse Possession: claiming title through long, open possession of land.
Employment and Intellectual Property
- Elements of Wrongful Termination: when firing an at-will employee is still unlawful.
- Elements of Trade Secret Misappropriation: what qualifies as a trade secret and what counts as misuse.
More articles are listed on the blog, and answers to common questions are on the FAQ page.