Most communities are served by one or more legal services program offices. Staff lawyers and paralegals who have expertise with the types of cases most commonly encountered by individuals living below or near the poverty level provide these services. Income guidelines determine eligibility. Because of the high demand for services and limited staff resources, legal services programs cannot serve everyone who needs assistance.
Programs can accept only a few cases in limited categories.
Another way to find a lawyer to provide free legal representation in civil cases is by contacting a pro bono program - also known as volunteer lawyer programs. They use local attorneys who have agreed to provide free legal representation to eligible persons referred by the pro bono program. Tens of thousands of attorneys throughout the country volunteer their services through these programs. Like legal services offices, pro bono programs generally have financial and case type limitations. Other programs provide legal representation for a wide range of legal problems.