How to Get Free Legal Help
Start with your local legal aid office, which provides free help in civil matters such as housing, family, benefits and consumer debt to people with low incomes; many programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation serve households up to 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Also try bar association pro bono programs, law school clinics, court self-help centers, online advice sites, and nonprofits focused on specific issues. Criminal defendants can request a public defender.
Legal problems often hit people who can least afford a lawyer. Several kinds of free or low-cost help exist.
Legal aid organizations
Nonprofit legal aid programs provide free lawyers in civil cases such as evictions, domestic violence, custody, public benefits, consumer debt and elder law. Programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation generally serve people with incomes up to 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, with some exceptions (45 CFR 1611.3). Demand is high, so programs prioritize urgent cases. LawHelp.org lists programs by state.
Pro bono programs
Bar associations and law firms run pro bono programs in which volunteer lawyers take cases for free. Contact your state or local bar association.
Law school clinics
Law students supervised by professors handle real cases in areas like immigration, housing, criminal defense, tax and small business.
Court self-help centers
Many courts have self-help centers or online portals with forms, instructions and staff who can explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice.
Online advice
ABA Free Legal Answers lets qualifying users in participating states post civil legal questions that volunteer lawyers answer online.
Specialized nonprofits
- Immigration legal services and accredited representatives
- Domestic violence programs
- Veterans' legal clinics
- Senior legal hotlines
- Disability rights organizations
- Tenant unions and fair housing groups
Other low-cost options
- Lawyer referral services from bar associations, often with a reduced-fee first consultation
- Contingency fees in injury and some employment cases; see contingency fees
- Limited-scope representation for part of a case
- Fee-shifting cases, such as wage and consumer protection claims, where the other side may pay your lawyer if you win
Criminal cases
If you are charged with a crime that could lead to jail and cannot afford a lawyer, you have a right to appointed counsel. See public defenders.
What to bring
Any court papers, letters, deadlines, a short timeline and proof of income for eligibility screening.
If you do not qualify for free help, browse our lawyer directory for affordable options and free consultations.
Sources
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This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws differ by state and change over time; talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.