In many cases you don't have to be indigent to get a lawyer for free or at little cost. Some organizations offer their members prepaid legal plans . Often plans include a low or no-cost consultation, or low cost services in uncontested divorces or simple wills matters. Check your liability insurance policy. Your policy may include coverage for attorney fees or require your insurance company to provide an attorney to defend you in a lawsuit.
Many unions provide free legal services to their members in union-related matters.
If your case or claim is work-related, talk to your union representative. Certain rights or advocacy groups might want to get involved in your case. For example, if you are challenging an unlawful attack on your civil liberties or right to free speech, an organization such as the American Civil Liberties Union may be interested in helping you. If you are indigent and if you are charged with a serious offense, you may be entitled to have an attorney appointed to represent you for free. The federal government and the states provide for the appointment of public defenders for indigent criminal defendants.