How to find free or low-cost legal help
Legal aid, law school clinics, pro bono programs, bar referral services and court self-help centers: what each offers and who qualifies. 5 min read
Hiring a private lawyer is not the only way to get legal help. Depending on your income and your problem, you may qualify for free help, or be able to get advice for a modest set fee.
Legal aid organizations
Nonprofit legal aid offices give free help in civil (non-criminal) matters to people with low incomes. Common areas include evictions and housing conditions, domestic violence, custody, public benefits, debt collection and consumer fraud. Offices funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation generally serve households with incomes up to 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, with some exceptions; other programs set their own limits. Demand is high, so contact them early. You can find offices through the Legal Services Corporation's directory or LawHelp.org.
Public defenders (criminal cases)
If you are charged with a crime that could lead to jail and cannot afford a lawyer, you have a constitutional right to have one appointed. Ask the court about a public defender at your first appearance. See public defenders and private criminal defense lawyers.
Law school clinics
Many law schools run clinics where students, supervised by licensed professors, handle real cases for free. Clinics often focus on specific areas such as immigration, housing, veterans' benefits, small business or tax.
Pro bono programs
Many lawyers volunteer free ("pro bono") time through programs run by bar associations, legal aid offices and courts. These programs typically screen for income and match you with a volunteer lawyer.
Bar association lawyer referral services
If you don't qualify for free help, a lawyer referral service run by a state or local bar association can connect you with a lawyer who handles your kind of problem. Many offer a first consultation of about half an hour for a low set fee. After that, you and the lawyer agree on fees as with any private lawyer.
Court self-help centers
Many courthouses have self-help centers or websites with forms and instructions for common matters such as small claims, uncontested divorces, name changes and guardianships. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain procedures. See also small claims court.
Other sources
- Older adults can often get free help through legal services funded under the Older Americans Act; ask your local Area Agency on Aging.
- Veterans may find free clinics through veterans' service organizations and some VA facilities.
- Tenants in some cities have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases.
- Workers can file many wage and discrimination complaints with government agencies at no cost.
Low-cost options with private lawyers
Ask private lawyers about limited-scope ("unbundled") help, flat fees for defined tasks, or payment plans. For injury claims, contingency fees mean no fee up front; see how contingency fees work.
Related guides
- How to find the right lawyer for your legal problem
- How to check that a lawyer is licensed and in good standing
- What is a bar number?
- Questions to ask a lawyer at your first consultation
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and laws differ from state to state. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state. Last reviewed November 4, 2026.