Legal aid offices, which can be found across the country, are not-for-profit companies that offer free legal aid to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Although most legal aid companies only provide legal assistance to people with extremely low incomes, many have adopted a more flexible set of income qualifications. Additionally, many legal aid companies also provide self-help resources designed to help you understand and navigate the legal process on your own.

What Types of Cases Does Free Legal Aid Cover?

Legal aid usually handles cases involving:

• Family Law: If you have a divorce or child custody case, a free legal aid organization might be able to offer some help. You can ask the judge assigned to your case or contact your local legal aid office and request a legal aid attorney to advocate for you in court. 
• Domestic Abuse: If you are in an abusive relationship, a legal aid office can help you acquire a divorce, a child custody order, or a protective order.
• Benefits: if you are experiencing issues with SNAP benefits, welfare, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicaid, legal aid might be able to offer assistance.
• Housing: If you are facing foreclosure or eviction, legal aid might be able to assist you. 

In addition to the services listed above, most legal aid agencies can also handle legal matters centering around disability laws, consumer protection, and immigration laws. Keep in mind that a lot of legal aid offices concentrate on one specific area of law, such as housing law, or disability law, and others receive government funding which restricts the type and amount of cases they are able to take on.

To find the legal aid office closest to you, call 1-800-ATTORNEY and request assistance with your legal problem.

Where Can I Find Pro Bono Legal Services?

Pro bono services are professional legal services provided at no cost to people in need. Most attorneys represent a specific number of pro bono clients every year. This means that they freely donate their time to assist people with limited monetary resources who are in need of legal representation as a means of giving back to their community. Some pro bono legal resources include: 

Law School Clinics

Many law schools allow students to offer their legal services for free. The students do so under the direct supervision of experienced lawyers. Law school clinics are usually operated on-site and address civil law matters, including housing disputes, family law, or immigration issues.

Bar Associations in Your Area

Local bar associations are organized at the city or county level. These associations ensure that attorneys within a particular jurisdiction abide by the Code of Professional Responsibility. They also maintain databases of pro bono attorneys and can put qualifying persons in touch with an attorney who may be willing to take their case.

Law Firms in Your Area

Many law firms have pro bono programs. If you already know of an attorney that you would like to represent you, you can call them or fill out their online contact form and ask if they offer pro bono services and, if so, how the program works.  

Social Service Agencies

Many social service agencies offer a variety of services to distinctive groups, such as survivors of abuse, children, and the elderly. Most social service agencies maintain a list of attorneys who provide their services pro bono. 

Where Can I Find Legal Aid Organizations?

A legal aid organization is a non-profit entity that provides free legal aid to low-income persons. The staff typically consists of paralegals, law students, and attorneys. Some reputable non-profit legal services are: 

ABA Free Legal Answers

Free Legal Answers is an online clinic that allows users to post civil legal questions on their state’s website. Then, vetted attorneys furnish basic legal guidance and information without the added expectation of providing representation. The website allows people who are not in a financial position to hire an attorney to access reliable information and advice regarding civil legal issues. There is never any charge for using Free Legal Answers or for the guidance provided. 

The National Legal Aid & Defendant Association

Established in 1911, the National Legal Aid & Defendant Association is the oldest and largest non-profit legal service organization in the country.  

Legal Aid Societies

Legal aid societies are the leading providers of pro bono legal services. They have locations all across the United States and offer their services to both families and individuals in need. 

National Immigration Legal Services Directory

Immigrants in need of low-cost or free legal assistance can use this updated directory to locate free legal help nationwide.  

Volunteer Lawyers Project

A lot of state and local bar associations finance these volunteer projects, allowing qualifying attorneys to donate their time and address legal issues.

24-Hour Free Legal Help Hotline

 

If you need assistance with a legal matter, call 1-800-ATTORNEY to discuss the facts of your case with an experienced attorney.

Whether your case involves family law, personal injury law, or another civil matter, it is always a good idea to work with a local attorney when possible. When you call, you will be connected with a nearby lawyer who understands local laws, is willing to address your concerns, and can advise you on the best way to move forward.