{"id":355861,"date":"2022-04-28T15:24:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T20:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/pro-bono-resource-center\/how-to-get-free-legal-representation.html"},"modified":"2026-03-04T11:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T16:36:00","slug":"how-to-get-free-legal-representation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/pro-bono-resource-center\/how-to-get-free-legal-representation.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Free Legal Help in 5 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Get Free Legal Help in 5 Steps<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Free <\/span>legal help<\/span> is available, but it isn\u2019t guaranteed\u2014you\u2019ll need to find the right organization for your case and meet eligibility requirements. Legal aid<\/span> groups, pro bono<\/span> attorneys, and civil rights organizations each serve different needs, so understanding where your issue fits is the key first step. Once you connect with an organization, be prepared for intake, clarify exactly what they can assist with, and stay actively involved in your case.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you are facing a legal issue<\/span> and cannot afford a lawyer, you are not alone. Hiring an attorney is a significant expense that not everyone\u2019s budget allows for. Fortunately, every state offers some free or\u00a0low-cost<\/span>\u00a0legal resources<\/span>\u00a0for eligible individuals. You must meet their eligibility requirements and have an appropriate case for them to take on.<\/p>\n

This article breaks down how to get free <\/span>legal help<\/span> in five steps. Learn how to identify the legal area you need help with, research providers, what legal issues<\/span> are unlikely to qualify for free <\/span>legal help<\/span>, and more.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Determine What Type of Attorney You Need<\/h2>\n

First, determine what kind of attorney<\/a> you need for your legal problem<\/span>. For example:<\/p>\n