Top Free Legal Advice Providers in the United States

A Comprehensive Directory (Almost! With Your Help It Could Be!)

Here are some of the best sources of free legal advice in the United States. We aim to highlight the commendable efforts of university law clinics, law firms, lawyers, and providers who offer their expertise at no cost to the people who need it the most.

As part of our commitment to promoting accessible legal support (note we also have guides in other parts of the world including free legal advice in the UK, free legal advice for Canada and free legal advice in Australia) , we have compiled a (hopefully somewhat) comprehensive directory featuring the best free legal advice providers across the nation. Whether you require guidance on immigration issues, consumer rights, or any other legal matters, these resources are dedicated to assisting you without financial burden.

We also provide a note of various legal aid organisations by State below too.

Do you know any others? We’re all ears – contact us here to let us know who else to include please.

First, some brief introductory frequently asked questions about legal aid in America:-

Is there legal aid in America?

Yes, there is legal aid in America. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) distributes 90%+ of its total Congressional appropriation to 134 independent nonprofit legal aid programs with more than 800 offices serving every county and territory.

Do Americans get free legal aid?

Yes, Americans can potentially access free legal aid, particularly those who meet certain income and eligibility requirements.

What is the largest legal aid in the US?

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the largest legal aid provider in the United States. It is a federally funded nonprofit organization that promotes equal access to justice by funding legal aid programs throughout the country.

Free Legal Advice Providers in the United States

While it’s difficult to provide an exhaustive list of the top free legal advice providers in the US, here are some well-known and reputable organizations that offer free legal assistance:

Legal Aid Organizations: Legal Aid Society, Legal Services Corporation (LSC), and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are prominent examples of legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals in need.
Pro Bono Programs: Pro Bono Net, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and Pro Bono Partnership are well-known organizations that connect individuals with volunteer attorneys who offer free legal advice and representation.
Bar Association Referral Services: The American Bar Association’s Find Legal Help directory and local bar associations’ lawyer referral services, such as the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service, assist individuals in finding pro bono or reduced-cost legal assistance.
Online Legal Platforms: Avvo, Justia, and LawGuru are popular online platforms where individuals can seek free legal advice by posting questions and receiving answers from attorneys.
Law School Clinics: Many law schools have clinics where law students, supervised by faculty members, provide free legal advice and representation. Examples include the following:-

Yale Law School Legal Services Organization: The Yale Law School Legal Services Organization offers a range of legal services to individuals and groups in need. Law students work under the supervision of experienced attorneys to provide free legal representation in areas such as housing, education, immigration, and criminal justice.
Georgetown University Law Center Clinical Programs: Georgetown University Law Center offers a variety of clinical programs that provide free legal services to underserved communities. These clinics cover areas such as immigration, domestic violence, criminal defense, intellectual property, and appellate litigation.
University of California, Berkeley School of Law Clinics: UC Berkeley School of Law hosts a diverse range of clinical programs that offer free legal assistance to disadvantaged individuals and communities. These clinics cover topics including human rights, environmental law, community economic development, and housing.
New York University School of Law Clinics: New York University School of Law houses several clinical programs that provide free legal services to low-income clients.
University of Michigan Law School Clinics: The University of Michigan Law School offers a wide range of clinical opportunities where law students provide free legal representation. These clinics focus on areas such as human trafficking, housing law, environmental law, civil rights, and entrepreneurship.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law Clinics: UCLA School of Law hosts a variety of clinics that offer free legal services to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area. These clinics cover areas such as immigration law, housing, criminal defense, veterans’ rights, and international human rights.
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Clinics: The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School offers a range of clinical programs where law students provide pro bono legal services. These clinics focus on topics such as immigration law, criminal defense, civil practice, and civil rights advocacy.
University of Texas School of Law Clinics: The University of Texas School of Law houses a variety of clinics that provide free legal services to low-income individuals and underserved communities.
University of Chicago Law School Clinics: The University of Chicago Law School offers several clinical programs where law students work alongside experienced attorneys to offer free legal representation. These clinics cover areas such as criminal and juvenile justice, international human rights, housing, and employment law.
University of Washington School of Law Clinics: The University of Washington School of Law provides clinical programs that offer free legal services to individuals and organizations in need. These clinics focus on topics including environmental law, tribal court advocacy, child advocacy, immigration law, and entrepreneurship.
Columbia Law School Clinics: Columbia Law School hosts a range of clinics that offer free legal services to individuals and communities in need. These clinics cover areas such as civil rights, immigrants’ rights, criminal defense, entrepreneurship, and human rights advocacy.
University of Wisconsin Law School Clinical Programs: The University of Wisconsin Law School offers a variety of clinical programs that provide free legal assistance to individuals and organizations.
University of North Carolina School of Law Clinics: The University of North Carolina School of Law houses a range of clinics that offer free legal representation to individuals and communities. These clinics focus on areas such as immigration law, civil legal assistance, juvenile justice, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.
University of California, Davis School of Law Clinics: UC Davis School of Law offers a variety of clinics where law students provide free legal services to individuals and organizations.
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Clinics: The University of Maryland Carey School of Law offers clinical programs that provide free legal assistance to underserved populations. These clinics cover topics including civil advocacy, immigration law, environmental law, health law, and intellectual property.
University of Minnesota Law School Clinics: The University of Minnesota Law School hosts various clinics where law students provide free legal services to individuals and organizations. See also some of the top Minnesota injury lawyers here.
University of California, Irvine School of Law Clinics: UC Irvine School of Law offers a range of clinics that provide free legal assistance to individuals and communities.
University of Denver Sturm College of Law Clinics: The University of Denver Sturm College of Law offers clinical programs where law students work with experienced attorneys to offer free legal services.
Boston University School of Law Clinics: Boston University School of Law hosts a variety of clinics where law students provide free legal representation to underserved individuals and communities. These clinics cover areas such as immigration law, criminal law, entrepreneurship, health law, and human trafficking.
University of Georgia School of Law Clinics: The University of Georgia School of Law offers clinical programs that provide free legal assistance in various practice areas. These clinics cover topics including family law, criminal defense, immigration law, business law, and legislative advocacy.

Types of Free Legal Advice in the US might include:-

Types of free legal advice available in the United States might include the following:

Immigration Law Issues: If you are facing immigration-related challenges, such as visa applications, deportation concerns, or understanding your rights as an immigrant, the top free legal advice providers in the US can offer guidance.
Consumer Legal Rights: If you have encountered issues with a product or service, such as fraudulent practices, misleading advertising, or unfair contract terms, the free legal advice providers can help you understand your consumer rights.
Employment and Labor Law Matters: When it comes to employment-related matters, free legal advice providers can offer support on various fronts. They can assist with issues such as workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, or understanding your rights and obligations as an employee.
Housing and Tenancy: If you are a tenant facing difficulties with your landlord, free legal advice providers can offer assistance. They can provide information on rental agreements, eviction processes, tenant rights, and help you understand the legal protections in place for tenants. They may also be able to assist in cases of housing discrimination or unsafe living conditions.
Family Law & Divorce: For individuals seeking guidance on family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, or domestic violence, the free legal advice providers can provide support and resources.
General Legal Matters: The top free legal advice providers in the US also cater to a wide range of general legal matters. Whether you have questions about contract law, personal injury claims, intellectual property rights, or any other legal concerns potentially, they may be able to help you for no or little cost.
And many more!

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid Organisations Per US State

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in California:

California Courts Self-Help Center: Self-help resources and information on various legal topics, including family law, housing, employment, and more. Assistance in filling out legal forms and understanding court procedures.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: Provides free legal services to low-income residents of Los Angeles County. Offers assistance with issues related to housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and more.
Bay Area Legal Aid: Serves low-income individuals and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Provides legal representation, advice, and advocacy in areas such as housing, public benefits, and healthcare.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Texas:

Texas Legal Services Center: Offers various legal aid services, including free legal advice, representation, and resources. Covers areas such as family law, consumer protection, housing, and veterans’ benefits.
Lone Star Legal Aid: Provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families across Texas. Handles cases related to housing, employment, public benefits, and disaster recovery.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Florida:

Florida Rural Legal Services: Offers legal aid to low-income individuals and migrant farmworkers in rural areas of Florida. Assists with matters like housing, family law, employment, public benefits, and more.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: Provides free legal help to residents of Central Florida. Handles cases related to housing, foreclosure, family law, consumer rights, and elder law.
Dade Legal Aid: Offers pro bono legal services to low-income individuals in Miami-Dade County. Covers areas such as family law, domestic violence, housing, and probate matters.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in New York:

Legal Aid Society of New York: Provides free legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers. Covers a wide range of legal issues, including housing, family law, immigration, and public benefits.
New York Legal Assistance Group: Offers free civil legal services to individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. Provides assistance with housing, family law, employment, healthcare, and more.
Volunteers of Legal Service: Connects eligible individuals in need with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation. Focuses on housing, family law, immigration, and elder law matters.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Provides access to legal aid organizations and resources across Pennsylvania. Covers various legal issues, including housing, family law, public benefits, and healthcare.
Community Legal Services: Offers free legal services to low-income individuals and families in Philadelphia. Handles cases related to housing, public benefits, employment, and consumer rights.
MidPenn Legal Services: Provides free legal representation to eligible individuals in central Pennsylvania. Assists with matters such as housing, family law, public benefits, and elder law.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Illinois:

Illinois Legal Aid Online: Offers a comprehensive range of legal information and resources for Illinois residents. Covers various legal issues, including housing, family law, employment, and public benefits.
Legal Aid Chicago: Provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families in Chicago. Handles cases related to housing, public benefits, consumer rights, and education.
Prairie State Legal Services: Offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals and seniors in northern and central Illinois. Assists with matters like housing, family law, public benefits, and healthcare.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Ohio:

Ohio Legal Help: Provides legal information and resources to Ohio residents. Offers self-help tools, legal guides, and connections to local legal aid organizations.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: Provides free legal services to low-income residents of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Covers areas such as housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services: Offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Southeastern Ohio. Handles cases related to housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and healthcare.

And for no-win-no-fee personal injury lawyer help in Ohio you may be able to contact the following firms:-

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Georgia:

Georgia Legal Services Program: Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Georgia. Assists with various legal matters, including housing, family law, consumer rights, and public benefits.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society: Offers free legal services to low-income individuals and families in Atlanta and surrounding counties. Handles cases related to housing, family law, employment, and public benefits.
Georgia Advocacy Office: Provides legal advocacy and representation to individuals with disabilities in Georgia. Assists with disability rights, access to education, housing, healthcare, and employment.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in North Carolina:

Legal Aid of North Carolina: Provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families across North Carolina. Offers assistance with housing, public benefits, consumer issues, and family law.
North Carolina Free Legal Answers: Allows low-income individuals to ask legal questions and receive answers from volunteer attorneys online. Covers a wide range of civil legal issues.
Pisgah Legal Services: Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Western North Carolina. Assists with matters such as housing, healthcare, public benefits, and domestic violence.

Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid in Michigan:

Michigan Legal Help: Provides legal information, forms, and self-help tools for Michigan residents. Covers various legal issues, including family law, housing, employment, and public benefits.
Legal Services of South Central Michigan: Offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in South Central Michigan. Handles cases related to housing, consumer rights, family law, and public benefits.
Lakeshore Legal Aid: Provides free legal services to low-income residents of Southeast Michigan. Covers areas such as housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and elder law.

Law Firms & Lawyers Potentially Providing Free Legal Advice and Legal Aid per US State

Here are five law firms or organizations in each of the 10 states that provide free legal advice, along with the areas of law they specialize in:

California Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Lawyers
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: Housing, employment, public benefits, elder law, consumer rights.
- Legal Aid Society of San Diego: Housing, family law, public benefits, immigration.
- Public Counsel: Civil rights, education, homelessness prevention, veterans’ rights.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles: Immigration, civil rights, hate crimes, worker rights.
- Disability Rights California: Disability rights, special education, access to healthcare.
Texas Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Lawyers
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: Housing, employment, public benefits, immigration, family law.
- Lone Star Legal Aid: Housing, consumer rights, employment, public benefits, disaster recovery.
- Texas Legal Services Center: Family law, housing, consumer protection, veterans’ benefits.
- Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Family law, housing, probate, consumer law, veterans’ benefits.
- Disability Rights Texas: Disability rights, special education, mental health, access to healthcare.
Florida Free Legal Advice Lawyers
- Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association: Housing, family law, public benefits, domestic violence.
- Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida: Housing, consumer law, elder law, public benefits, veterans’ rights.
- Three Rivers Legal Services: Family law, housing, public benefits, consumer rights, education.
- Florida Rural Legal Services: Housing, public benefits, migrant farmworker rights, consumer law.
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights, veterans’ benefits.
New York Free Advice Law Firms
- Legal Aid Society of New York: Housing, family law, immigration, public benefits, employment.
- Legal Services NYC: Housing, public benefits, family law, employment, consumer rights.
- Volunteers of Legal Service: Family law, housing, immigration, public benefits, veterans’ rights.
- New York Legal Assistance Group: Housing, public benefits, family law, consumer rights, elder law.
- Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A: Housing, public benefits, family law, consumer rights, immigration.
Pennsylvania Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Attorneys
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights, healthcare.
- Community Legal Services: Housing, public benefits, employment, consumer rights, family law.
- MidPenn Legal Services: Housing, family law, public benefits, elder law, healthcare.
- Philadelphia Legal Assistance: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights, immigration.
- North Penn Legal Services: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights, elder law.
Illinois Free Legal Advice Lawyers
- Illinois Legal Aid Online: Housing, family law, employment, public benefits.
- Legal Aid Chicago: Housing, public benefits, consumer rights, education.
- Prairie State Legal Services: Housing, family law, public benefits, healthcare.
- CARPLS Legal Aid: Civil disputes, housing, family law, employment.
- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law.
Ohio Free Legal Advice Law Firms
- Ohio Legal Help: General legal information and resources.
- Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: Housing, family law, consumer issues, public benefits.
- Southeastern Ohio Legal Services: Housing, domestic violence, public benefits, healthcare.
- Advocates for Basic Legal Equality: Housing, public benefits, education, employment.
- Legal Aid Society of Columbus: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues.
Georgia Free Advice Law Firms & Lawyers
- Georgia Legal Services Program: Housing, family law, consumer rights, public benefits.
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society: Housing, family law, employment, public benefits.
- Georgia Advocacy Office: Disability rights, education, housing, healthcare, employment.
- Georgia Lawyers for the Arts: Intellectual property, entertainment law, arts-related legal issues.
- Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network: Immigration, asylum, deportation defense.
North Carolina Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Lawyers
- Legal Aid of North Carolina: Housing, public benefits, consumer issues, family law.
- North Carolina Free Legal Answers: Online legal advice platform covering various legal areas.
- Pisgah Legal Services: Housing, healthcare, public benefits, domestic violence.
- Legal Aid of North Carolina – Charlotte: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights.
- Disability Rights North Carolina: Disability rights, special education, access to healthcare.
Michigan Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Lawyers
- Michigan Legal Help: General legal information and resources.
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan: Housing, consumer rights, family law, public benefits.
- Lakeshore Legal Aid: Housing, domestic violence, public benefits, elder law.

Scope of Services Provided by Free Legal Advice Providers in America

It’s important to note that the scope of services provided by free legal advice providers may vary. Some may offer brief consultations, while others may provide more in-depth assistance. Additionally, availability and eligibility criteria may differ among providers. Nonetheless, these resources strive to ensure that individuals have access to valuable legal advice and support, regardless of their financial circumstances.

If you think you can help us improve the information or contact details for anyone or any organisation in the US who can really make a difference in providing free legal advice or representation whether on a government funded or pro bono basis or otherwise please do not hesitate to contact our Editor, Gavin Ward, here to help our mission of improving access to justice and access to affordable legal services.

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