California Indian Legal Services
VerifiedCivil Litigation Lawyer
873 N Main St Ste 120, Bishop, CA 93514, United States
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About California Indian Legal Services
California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is one of the oldest not-for-profit law firms in the United States specializing in Federal Indian Law. Founded in 1967, CILS is dedicated to securing justice for California Tribal peoples by protecting and advancing Indian rights, self-determination, and tribal nation-building. The firm provides free or low-cost legal representation to Native individuals and tribes in matters of federal Indian law.
CILS offers a range of services, including legal assistance for individual Native Americans and Tribal governments, as well as community education resources and training. Key initiatives include the California Indian Water Rights Study and the Veterans Military Discharge Upgrade Project, which assists Native Veterans with military discharge upgrades.
With offices in Bishop, Escondido, Eureka, and Sacramento, CILS provides comprehensive services to individuals and tribes across every California county. The firm has a long history of advocating for Native American rights, including significant cases involving tribal sovereignty, land rights, water rights, civil rights, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. CILS also assists with clearing criminal records and addressing discrimination claims related to housing or employment. The firm's fee structure includes free representation for eligible individuals at or below the federal poverty level, with a lower-than-market rate for fee-for-service cases in limited circumstances.
From the firm’s website
- Services listed
- Federal Indian Law, Legal Services for Individual Native Americans, Legal Services for Tribes, Community Education Resources and Training, California Indian Water Rights Study, Veterans Military Discharge Upgrade Project
- Founded
- 1967
- Fees
- California Indian Legal Services offers free representation to individuals at or below the federal poverty level, and may offer fee-for-service representation at a lower-than-market rate in limited ca
Source: calindian.org · checked October 10, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 8:30 am–5 pm
- Tuesday
- 8:30 am–5 pm
- Wednesday
- 8:30 am–5 pm
- Thursday
- 8:30 am–5 pm
- Friday
- 8:30 am–5 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Photos
Details & Amenities
Highlights
Accessibility
Amenities
Related Videos
California Indian Legal Services – Eastern Sierra Remote Workstation
California Indian Legal Services — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is California Indian Legal Services located?+
California Indian Legal Services is located at 873 N Main St Ste 120, Bishop, CA 93514, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.
What kind of cases does California Indian Legal Services handle?+
California Indian Legal Services handles Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Family Law. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.
How do I contact California Indian Legal Services?+
Call California Indian Legal Services at +1 760-873-3581 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
Is California Indian Legal Services well rated?+
California Indian Legal Services has a 5.0-star rating based on 8 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.
Client Reviews
8 reviews- Lorena Smith· via Google4 years ago
- Rachel Oleary· via Google4 years ago
- Lynn Martin· via Google
I met with Advocate/Paralegal Laura Janoff; she was very nice, very knowledgeable, and very helpful with my legal situation.
2 years ago - Eric Diesel· via Google
Essential legal representation for folks in need who can't afford an attorney because something went wrong in their life. Not perfect, but much, much, much better than what's available in LA or SF Bay Area.
2 years ago - Kaitlin kellett· via Google
These people actually care about us and our situation. Tristan has been an absolute blessing. We can't thank him and his team enough for everything they have done for us.
3 years ago - Songbird 8· via Google
These folks are nice and professional. They help people who have no money. Professionalism and politeness can be extremely rare in eastern Sierra social services; this organization is worth appreciating. Seems like they actually care.
4 years ago - Astra Lincoln· via Google
Michael Godbe at CILS worked with me in the summer of 2020, and I couldn't recommend his litigation services more highly. Of course, any situation demanding legal counsel is emotionally difficult and sensitive. Mr. Godbe consistently made me feel understood and validated. Not only did he successfully achieve the outcome I had hoped for, but he was compassionate and kind throughout the process. It was a real pleasure to get to have him in my corner -- he was the only thing that made a very difficult situation feel manageable.
5 years ago - Dana Pierce· via Google
Hi Everyone. This is Dana Terse Pierce I have only great things to say about these wonderful individuals ..Laura Janoff , Mike Godbey Victoria , Erin Ruben..w out these top notch ppl I don't know where I literally wld have been today. All great things. They turned my life around so quickly I. Teary w joy. Mine Godbey the godsend ! The entire staff in behalf of the Pierce Family in Walker CA ..we thank you so very much! Got my job back at Nordstrom W the passion I love Fashion. Thought I was going to be homeless . Traped in box from Domestic Violence I felt so lonely w no where to turn.. 5 degrees From Fullerton University no grants . Proud of that and now so quickly Mike Godbeyade this happen gir us to carry on w no looking back! Only great things I have to say w these patient individuals . It is Serendipitous . Mike and I said it over the phone ! Ditto" he is a young striving attorney hip yet determined to push me. Thanks to these outstanding ppl I know can learn to love myself again. Look in the mirror at 60 yrs old. Head of Couture ! My passion for the arts finally came true once again! Top draw ppl w Wild Iris n coaching thru Mental Health. Is worth it! My Ski Hat Co & Dog wear w proceeds going to the Victims of abuse plus this amazing grace organization! I can hold my head up high w confidence to succeed w absolutely everything ! I am a molestation survivor that only makes me stronger for others . My mentor speaking may continue to this who may need coaching . Nordstrom brothers believe in me once again. Happy as a clam. Thank you so very much for putting up w this stubborn yet determined one to survive ! Proceeds will be going to gay rights as well. All walks of life. Suicide is not the answer ppl. Trust me. Thought Dana Pierce it's a sin . How dare you ever think that way when so many other babies have it worse . My asthma took a turn for so ill. God was testing me . Never again will I walk in darkness . Hiking w a smile . Leaving my Chaplains Land w dignity
2 years ago