Free Legal Aid in Miami

American Civil Liberties Union of Florida

Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.

Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges. To apply, fill out the intake form.

Dade County Bar Association Legal Line

Areas of Law: Bankruptcy, unfair sales practices, consumer fraud, public benefits, family law, debt collection, garnishment, and repossession, public utilities, credit access, contracts/warranties, loans/ installment purchases

Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys provide brief, legal advice via telephone. Call to learn about times and dates.

Dade Legal Aid

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Family Law, Guardianship, Housing, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Child Advocacy, Self Help Clinics, Non-Profit & Start Ups

Good to Know: Dade Legal services to qualifying low-income residents of Miami-Dade County. Call to learn about intake procedures.

Legal Services of Greater Miami

Areas of Law: Civil law, Housing, Government Benefits, Employment, Families and Children, Homeless, Elder, Military and Veterans

Good to Know: This is a free legal service. You must apply for services at this or, if you are in South Miami-Dade county (South of Kendall Drive and Monroe County) you can apply for services at:

South Dade Law Center
11285 SW 211 Street, Suite 302
Miami, Florida 33189
(305) 576-0080

Bankruptcy Clinic

Areas of Law: Bankruptcy

Good to Know: This office offers bankruptcy assistance for low-income residents of Miami-Dade County. Client intake and screening is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Legal Aid from 8:30 – 11:00 am. Clients are seen on a first come/first serve basis. No appointments necessary.

Disability Rights of Florida

Areas of Law: Disability, Abuse, Neglect, Benefits Assistance, and Employment, Access to Public Accommodations, Special Education, Negotiation, and Mediation.

Good to Know: This is a statewide program providing legal representation to those with mental and physical disabilities throughout Miami. Your legal issue must directly relate from your disability.

Senior Legal Helpline

Areas of Law: Civil

Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys are available to answer basic legal questions via phone free of charge for Florida residents age 60 and over. Calls are strictly confidential. Call to learn specific dates and times.

Family Court Self Help Program

Areas of Law: Family, Divorce, Child Custody, and Paternity

Good to Know: This is a free self-help program for unrepresented litigants. Lawyers do not provide legal advice or representation nor do they directly assist in completing court forms. They do assist litigants in the use of their packets, review forms for completeness forms, and provide instructions on court procedures.

Americans for Immigrant Justice

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization, and Asylum

Good to Know: Representatives speak Spanish, Creole and French.

American Friends Service Committee

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, and Naturalization

Good to Know: The Legal Services Program provides legal assistance, consultations, and referrals for clients regarding immigration matters. They will not represent detained aliens. Providers speak Creole, French, Spanish and Romanian.

Catholic Charities Legal Services Archdiocese of Miami

Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, and Naturalization

Good to Know: This organization has several offices serving the Miami-Dade area. They provide free legal consultation service for low-income immigrants and their families.

Church World Service-Immigration and Refugee Program

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization, Asylum, and Refugee

Good to Know: This organization provides legal services to immigrants and refugees at little or no cost. They speak Creole, French, and Spanish. They Will NOT represent aliens in detention.

Small Claims Legal Clinic

Area of Law: Civil, Small Claims

Good to Know: This free clinic is offered to explain to the public how to file their own small claims cases in court and how to collect on the judgments. They do not provide direct representation in court. You must call to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins.

Florida International College of Law Legal Clinics

Areas of Law: Human Rights, Bankruptcy, Death Penalty, Environmental Law, Family and Children’s Advocacy, Immigration, Investor and Small Business

Good to Know: Cases are only accepted certain times of the year or by referral from a judge. Call for consideration. To qualify you must be low-income. Contact the individual program for more information.

University of Miami School of Law

Areas of Law: Bankruptcy, Children and Youth Law, Death Penalty, Federal Appellate, Health Rights, Human Rights, Immigration, Investors, Tenants/Housing

Good to Know: Cases are only accepted certain times of the year or by referral from a judge. Call for consideration. To qualify you must be low-income. Contact the individual program for more information.

St. Thomas University School of Law Human Rights Clinic

Areas of Law: Immigration, Human Trafficking

Good to Know: To be eligible for services you must reside in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, or Palm Beach County, Florida; and be low income.