Nolo is an American publisher of do-it-yourself legal guides, software, and online resources. Founded in 1971 by attorneys Ralph Warner and Charles Sherman in Berkeley, California, Nolo's primary mission has been to make legal information and services accessible and affordable to the general public, empowering individuals and small businesses to handle common legal matters without necessarily incurring significant legal fees.
Initially, Nolo gained prominence for its self-help law books, which covered a wide range of topics from wills and estate planning to divorce, small business law, landlord-tenant issues, and intellectual property. Over the decades, Nolo expanded its offerings to include legal software, most notably "WillMaker," and a comprehensive website featuring thousands of articles, legal forms, and a directory of attorneys.
Nolo has played a significant role in the "self-help law" movement, advocating for greater public access to legal information and processes. Its publications are known for their clear, plain-language explanations of complex legal concepts, designed to be understood by non-lawyers. Nolo operates as part of the Martindale-Nolo family of brands, which also includes other legal information and directory services.