Articles

How to Get Pro Bono Legal Help When You Can't Afford a Lawyer

If you find yourself in legal trouble and cannot afford a lawyer, you still have options available to you. Under federal law, if you're charged with a crime that carries a prison sentence, you have the right to an attorney even if you can't afford one. You can make use of court-appointed counsel, also known as public defenders. However, U.S. law doesn't entitle you to free legal help if you go to court for a civil case such as a divorce or if you're sued.

This is where lawyers who offer pro bono or free representation can be invaluable if you're low on funds. 

Check with law schools if they have any graduates taking cases for free.Call a number of law firms to ask if they offer pro bono services.

Who Provides Free Legal Assistance?

Pro bono attorneys provide a necessary service to society and the common good by giving help to those that couldn't afford their services otherwise and by protecting their clients' rights. A number of law firms volunteer their services via bar associations and federal and state programs. 

Legal Aid Clinics
If you're looking for free or low-cost counsel to protect yourself from litigation, search for federally funded programs or legal aid offices in your area. These institutions are made up of lawyers and paralegals that might be able to take your case at no charge. These legal aid clinics usually feature attorneys that have more legal experience in the courtroom and ones that aren't overworked like public defenders can be. 

They can give you the legal advice you need regarding landlord disputes or help with divorce, unemployment and Social Security cases in person or even via a hotline. Legal aid clinics typically help clients that cannot pay, so the attorneys are well-versed in issues and legal problems of people with lower incomes.

Pro Bono Programs
Another option available to you if you're searching for free representation is pro bono programs. Many state bar associations, from California to Maine, support and staff free or pro bono organizations. Check with the American Bar Association, also known as the ABA, or your state's bar website for your nearest pro bono service program.

Much like legal aid clinics, experienced attorneys staff these projects as a way to give back to the community and assist people who can not afford assistance without lawyers waiving their fees. 

Public Defenders
If you are charged with a crime that carries a sentence, you should visit your public defender's office. Depending on your income level, you could qualify for free legal assistance.

Local Courthouse
Need help filing legal paperwork for your case or trial? Courts usually have facilitators that can assist you if you decide to forego a lawyer and represent yourself. Check with your circuit, county or state court system to schedule a visit and learn what they can do for you. 

Self-Help Facilities
If you do plan to represent yourself during a trial, you may visit a legal self-help program that can give you the advice you need to plan out a defense. The clinics are usually staffed by attorneys who volunteer their time to answer people's questions either in groups or individually.

Law School
Still haven't found what you're looking for? Try a local law school. Many of these educational institutions provide free or low-cost legal representation. Students, along with instructors who are certified to practice law, could take your case depending on where you live. 

Call Your Local Bar Association
One way to look for attorneys who work pro bono cases is to contact your state or county bar association. Associations represent lawyers and will know of counselors in your area that are currently waiving their fees to help lower-income individuals. 

If you make little money, you have a good chance of getting a pro bono lawyer.

What Qualifies You For Pro Bono Assistance?

Unfortunately, there's not one factor that lawyers use to determine if they will take your case pro bono. A number of things can qualify you for receiving free representation in court, but that doesn't mean any attorney is required to take on your case free of charge.

If your income sets you below the poverty level in the U.S., then you have a better chance of a lawyer representing you pro bono. However, if your income isn't that low, a law firm could consider taking your case for free if you're a senior citizen, disabled, in the military or if you're alleging domestic violence and other forms of abuse. 

Depending on the circumstances of your case, an attorney might be more apt to represent you without charge. However, with many people clamoring for free counsel, attorneys must be selective when it comes to pro bono work. They must balance out the free duties they do every year with paid ones, meaning lawyers can't help everyone that comes through their doors asking them to waive their fees. 

How to Ask an Attorney to Take Your Case

It could appear that there aren't many law firms out there offering pro bono services. This is because many only choose to advertise the paid expertise they offer even though they do help a number of clients with low incomes for free.

Pick a number of lawyers and call them to ask if they offer pro bono work. Explain your case and the reasons why you cannot afford to pay. Remember, attorneys wanting to make a mark and gain more courtroom experience are more likely to help you for free.

Look for recent law school graduates who passed your state bar. Less established counselors might be a better choice for you than a public defender who's inundated with cases. A younger attorney usually has a smaller caseload, which means he or she has more time to devote to you. He or she can also give you more personal face-to-face time to advise you and discuss your situation before and during a trial if it comes to that.

Working with a Pro Bono Lawyer

When you meet with an attorney that will take your case for free, remember they may not have the best office amenities. Don't let this worry you. Whether they receive their money from federal or state sources, the majority of the money goes into trying cases, not into fancy furniture for the law firm. 

You have to be your best advocate.

If you do decide to work with lawyers through a pro bono program or clinic, they will most likely have a large number of other clients that they're helping at the same time. Therefore, these attorneys will be very busy, so be patient with them. Help yourself by assisting your lawyer with your case. Be polite and professional and provide your attorney with any paperwork he or she might need to represent you better. 

You have to be your best advocate, so don't leave all the work up to your counsel. Keep copies and files of receipts, contracts, bills or anything else related to your case. Also, make a chronological timeline of events that led to your legal troubles and take thorough notes during your meetings with your attorney. 

If you you're confused by some legal jargon or proceedings, don't be afraid to ask your lawyer what it means and how it affects you. That's what he or she is there for. However, help your attorney by researching the parts of the law your case deals with to inform yourself. 

Also, keep in mind a few important questions you should ask your pro bono lawyer. If you happen to win your case, will your attorney garnish any of the money you receive to pay for his or her fees and court costs? Will your counselor ask your next of kin or other family members to pay for representing you in court? You must ask your pro bono attorney these questions to find out where you stand with them before moving forward.

Finding a lawyer to take on your case for free may seem impossible, but with the proper research, you're bound to find an advocate to help you. 

E-Mail