where to get a free lawyer

by Gust Krajcik 6 min read

  • Contact the City Courthouse. Andrea Vacca is a collaborative divorce attorney in New York City and the owner of Vacca Family Law Group.
  • Seek Free Lawyer Consultations. Some attorneys will offer free consultations – usually by phone or videoconference. ...
  • Look to Legal Aid Societies. Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people.
  • Visit a Law School. You could also consider hiring an up-and-coming law student to give you advice. ...
  • Contact Your County or State Bar Association. The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. ...
  • Go to Small Claims Court. Unfortunately, this isn't a viable option for everyone. ...

What if I can't afford an attorney?

7 Great Alternatives For When You Can't Afford An Attorney

  • Hire a Layer on a Contingency Basis. Even if you can't afford an attorney, you may be able to get one on a contingency basis. ...
  • Find a Pro Bono Lawyer. ...
  • Check Law School Clinics. ...
  • Look for Free Consultations. ...
  • Check Whether You Qualify for a Court-Appointed Lawyer. ...
  • Charities. ...
  • Represent Yourself. ...
  • These Are Your Options When You Can't Afford an Attorney. ...

How to find an excellent lawyer?

How to Find an Excellent Lawyer

  • Conducting a Background Check. Before hiring any attorney, contact the attorney disciplinary organization in your state to verify that they’re in precise standing as a member of the bar.
  • Touring the Lawyer’s Office. ...
  • Consider a Specialist. ...
  • Interview the Prospective Lawyers. ...
  • Personality. ...

How to afford a lawyer?

  • One case is Martin’s.
  • Another is a shooting by police that left a man paralyzed.
  • The third involves a Black couple who were allegedly harassed by local police and city officials after moving to a white neighborhood, and officers allegedly beat the husband.

Where can you find free legal advice?

  • LawHelp.org. Find free legal aid programs, information and forms for your state or territory.
  • StateSideLegal.org . Legal help for low-income military members, veterans and their families.
  • National Center for State Courts. The NCSC provides links to legal aid programs, by state.

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What to Look for in a Lawyer

Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include:

Find Free and Low-Cost Legal Help

These programs offer a variety of ways to get legal aid. Some limit their services to people with low incomes.

Find Legal Resources for Specific Groups

Stateside Legal - Find free legal help for military members, veterans, and their families.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

What is the number to call an attorney?

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763) , you’ll be connected with an attorney in your area who’s familiar with the laws in your state, who’s willing to listen to your concerns, and who can explain the options available to you moving forward. Calls are answered 24 hours a day! 24/7 FREE LEGAL ADVICE: 1-800-ATTORNEY.

What is the best phone number to call for a free consultation?

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763), you’ll be connected with an attorney in your area who’s familiar with ...

Is there legal advice online?

There are many free legal advice services available online as well, but we strongly advise you to take all online advice with a grain of salt. The law varies from state to state, and those giving legal advice will often have differing opinions, and may not even be licensed to practice law.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

Do attorneys give discounts?

An attorney might give you a discount. Also, many attorneys offer payment plans, so that you're paying monthly instead of one huge sum all at once. Of course, you could hit the jackpot and find a pro bono lawyer, or you might find someone willing to take your case on contingency.

The Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society is a New York-based social justice law firm that believes in providing equal justice to all.

LawHelp.org

LawHelp.org is an online-based entity that provides free legal resources and assistance to low-earners.

Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is a web-based membership site for legal advocates and courts, law students and professors, legal aid attorneys, and pro bono lawyers across the U.S. and Canada.

Human Rights First

Human Rights First is an independent international human rights body headquartered in Washington and New York City. Over the last three decades, the organization has defended human freedom, rights, and dignity around the world. Therefore, it can be trusted to affect what it says.

Taproot Foundation

Taproot Foundation is a non-profit firm that focuses on I.T., creation, strategic leadership, marketing, and H.R. resource experts in the pro bono service industry. It does so to enable the creation of infrastructure for other free legal aid organizations.

Equal Justice Works

Equal Justice Works is another non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. that focuses on public service lawyer careers and their essential services. As such, it brings together a comprehensive network of lawyers, and law students, among other legal stakeholders for facilitation purposes.

Lawyers Without Boarders

Lawyers Without Borders is a non-profit corporation whose primary goal is to bring about integrity, build capacity, and improve the global rule of law within the justice industry. For instance, it aims at creating resources and programs that bring justice closer under the principle of independence and neutrality.

Avvo

Avvo is a public online platform of attorneys where you can get free legal advice and more information by reading questions asked by other people.

American Bar Association

American Bar Association is a legal clinic that offers free legal advice from volunteer attorneys. However, this is brief advice on general legal issues, and they may refer you to the best lawyer with practice concentration and experience.

Quora

Quora is an online resource and a primary source of information on various topics such as babysitting, travel, relationships, science, astronomy, real estate, and music.

Reddit

Reddit is one of the few online platforms that encourage members to post and respond anonymously about various issues from relationships, work, health, real estate, law, and finance.

FreeAdvice.com

Under the FreeAdvice.com website, you can fit the right attorney to handle your legal issues. The platform is free and doesn’t require registration or sign up to get free legal help.

LawGuru

LawGuru offers you free and private legal advice to your legal questions from attorneys from different fields, such as Bankruptcy, traffic, criminal, divorces, and family law.

FindLaw

FindLaw website has a directory of more than 17000 lawyers in different practice areas who provide free legal advice.

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