When you are in need of free or low-cost legal services, you may be wondering how to find a lawyer to fulfill your needs. It can be overwhelming to find a pro bono lawyer in your area or to try and find a Legal Aid Service organization if you have never required a lawyer for legal assistance before. Here is the information that everyone should have for finding a pro bono lawyer or other affordable legal services.
Pro Bono Lawyer vs. Legal Aid Organization
A pro bono attorney is a lawyer who is dedicated to providing legal services free of cost. The lawyer may be dedicated to representing clients with specific legal issues, such as domestic violence or foreclosure defense issues. Many pro bono lawyers typically offer, or are required to perform, a certain number of volunteer hours per month or year.
A legal aid organization, on the other hand, is an organization that is dedicated to providing free or low-cost legal assistance for clients. The legal aid organization typically deals with a variety of matters in public interest law. The legal aid organization may provide foreclosure help, tax assistance, eviction help, or more for its clients. You may not need to fill out a formal application to request the services of a pro bono lawyer. To secure services from a legal aid organization, a prospective client usually needs to fill out a formal application and meet a certain income level guidelines.
Another related option, pro se organizations assist clients in representing themselves. Clients may receive help from lawyers in regards to legal research, but individuals will be expected to handle court matters on their own.
Finding Pro Bono Lawyers in Your Area
There are various websites dedicated to matching clients with pro bono lawyers at no cost. Websites like www.probono.net and www.americanbar.org maintain directories of pro bono lawyers in your state. If you are interested in hiring a pro bono lawyer, you may also want to individually reach out to the lawyer to see whether your case will be accepted.
Resources for Free Information
There are several resources to consider if you want free information about your legal rights and how legal aid organizations work. You can visit the specific websites for legal aid organizations, such as www.legal-aid.org. Your local legal aid organization also likely maintains its own website. This web site may contain information about state-specific laws that can impact your case. Another great resource to consider is LawHelp. At Lawhelp, individuals can learn more about their legal issues and receive contact information about local legal aid organizations in their area.
How to Find Free Legal Services
To find free legal services, you should be aware that there are several things to consider. Your local courthouse may have a program aimed at matching low-income clients with legal services. In addition, a local bar association may also be able to refer you to a public interest legal organization that can assist you. Various directories also contain a listing of every Legal Aid Service and Legal Aid Society branch in your state. These directories can be helpful in instantly locating the services you need.
When you need legal assistance, you should speak with a pro bono lawyer as soon as possible. If your application at a Legal Aid Service organization has been denied due to your income, a pro bono lawyer may still be willing to represent your case.
