For those needing help with a potential case, no-cost legal advice is generally available in the form of free consultations. While not all lawyers offer this service, most reputable attorneys do offer free case reviews, especially for those who were injured or lost a family member due to another person’s negligence and need help pursuing justice and financial compensation. This allows anyone who needs legal help to receive it, regardless of their socioeconomic status. 

It is worth mentioning that participating in a free consultation does not obligate you to partner with an attorney any more than it obligates them to take your case. However, if you do decide to work together, most reputable personal injury attorneys arrange to collect their fees and payment in the form of a percentage of your total settlement award or jury verdict, so there is no need for you to have cash in hand. This means that your current economic situation does not need to be an obstacle to obtaining experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. 

Do I Qualify for Legal Aid If I Am an Illegal Immigrant?

Every legal aid organization has its own set of rules regarding who does and does not qualify for its services. If you are a victim of domestic violence or a violent crime, however, legal aid generally can assist anyone regardless of their immigration status if it helps protect them from future acts of violence. Legal aid will often file immigration applications on behalf of domestic violence victims. Many legal aid organizations specialize in a wide variety of legal areas pertaining to immigration law. 

Visit our immigration law practice area page for information about free legal aid organizations in your area, as well as legal resources available to immigrants, regardless of status.    

How Can I Find an Attorney if I Don’t Qualify for Legal Aid? 

You can start by calling your local bar association’s attorney referral service. They can put you in touch with a licensed attorney with experience in handling your type of legal issue. The attorney will agree to meet with you in a free consultation where you can have them evaluate your potential claim or ask them to address some specific legal concerns you have.

Remember, not every attorney offers a free consultation, so make sure to clarify that when making your appointment. No-win, no-fee cases typically fall under the umbrella of personal injury, such as medical malpractice, wrongful death, car accident injuries, etc.  This is due to the way these cases are handled. Your attorney knows that if they achieve the desired outcome, they will be able to recoup their fees and costs. They can generally gauge ahead of time whether they think you have a case that will end with a successful settlement or jury award.

Your local bar association can also give you information pertaining to other free legal services for people who need them, such as:  

• Volunteer lawyer projects
• Pro bono cases
• Free legal workshops
• Free self-help clinics

To contact the bar association in your area and find other lawyer referral services, go to the American Bar Association’s Find Legal Help page. 

Is There Anywhere Else I Can Turn For Help?

• Free Legal Answers is a virtual pro bono program that matches volunteer attorneys with low-income clients and provides them with brief answers to their legal questions for free.
• Many state court networks offer self-help hubs for those who have chosen to represent themselves in court. These hubs provide free services such as court forms, informational materials, workshops, and help filling out legal documents. Reach out to your local legal aid organization or find your state court’s website to find out what self-help services they have available. 
• A law school in your area might offer free legal clinics where current law students offer free legal aid under the supervision of their professors who are lawyers.
• Area Agencies on Aging helps senior citizens aged 60 and up with multiple problems, one of which is providing low-cost or free legal aid. To find the agency closest to you, visit their website.   
• StatesideLegal.org provides useful legal tools and referrals created specifically for active duty service members, veterans, and their families.

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 you call, you will be connected with a local lawyer who understands local laws, is willing to address your concerns, and can advise you on the best way to move forward.