where to get a lawyer for free

• 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.

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.

Can I get an attorney for my disability?

Applicants for Social Security disability (or SSI disability) are very unlikely to find an attorney to represent them for free, even at legal aid offices. This is because attorneys who help disability claimants work on a contingency basis, meaning that they only get paid for their work if they win your case. In addition, fees paid ...

Do disability attorneys have to pay up front?

Disability attorneys do not require their fees to be paid up front. Instead, they collect a maximum of 25% of your retroactive benefits ( backpay) or $6,000, whichever is less. Social Security pays your attorney directly out of your backpay award.

Can a lawyer collect disability backpay?

However, even legal aid attorneys and nonattorney advocates who are registered with Social Security are permitted to collect fees from disability backpay to compensate them for the time they spend working on your case.

Can SSI claimants get a lawyer?

This meant that SSI claimants would have an easier time finding lawyers to take their case. Today, many legal aid offices will represent clients only in Social Security overpayment situations, since it can be difficult to find a lawyer for help in these cases.

What does it mean to spend time in court?

And to add fuel to the fire, spending time preparing for a court case can mean losing wages or part of a salary. In short, if you don't have the time to self-educate, and if you can't find enough free legal advice to help you have your day in court, it's a wise decision to seek out a competent attorney.

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.

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 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 happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

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.

Who is Andrea Vacca?

Andrea Vacca is a collaborative divorce attorney in New Yor k City and the owner of Vacca Family Law Group. She says – at least with divorces – that "some courts offer free assistance to parties who want to fill out their own uncontested divorce paperwork."