Not being able to afford a lawyer does not mean facing a legal problem alone. These options exist in every state; eligibility usually depends on income and the type of case.
Legal aid organizations
Nonprofit law offices funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation and others provide free civil representation to people with low incomes — evictions, benefits, family violence, consumer debt, immigration and more. Find your local program through LawHelp.org.
Public defenders and appointed counsel
If you are charged with a crime that could carry jail time and cannot afford a lawyer, you have a constitutional right to appointed counsel. Ask for a lawyer at your first court appearance. Public defenders are experienced trial lawyers; their main limitation is caseload.
Bar association referral services
Most state and large-city bars run lawyer referral services that match you with a screened lawyer for a low-cost initial consultation (often $25–$50 for 30 minutes). Many also run "modest means" panels with reduced hourly rates.
Law school clinics
Law students supervised by faculty represent clients free in areas such as immigration, tax, family, housing, criminal appeals, small business and veterans' matters. Search for clinics at law schools near you.
Court self-help centers and forms
Many state courts have self-help centers, free standardized forms and online guided interviews for uncontested divorce, name changes, small claims, evictions and protective orders. Start at your state judiciary's website, linked from each state page.
Pro bono programs
Private lawyers volunteer through bar foundations and organizations such as the ABA Free Legal Answers program, where you can ask a civil legal question online.
Specific populations
- Veterans: VA-accredited VSOs (American Legion, DAV, VFW, state veterans agencies) help with claims free.
- Seniors: Area Agencies on Aging fund legal services for people 60+ — find yours through the Eldercare Locator.
- Survivors of abuse: domestic-violence programs provide legal advocates and often attorneys for protective orders.
- Immigrants: DOJ-recognized nonprofits with accredited representatives provide low-cost immigration help.
Contingency and fee-shifting cases
For injury, employment, consumer and civil-rights claims, private lawyers often work for no up-front fee. See what lawyers cost.