Free Legal Aid in New Orleans

American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana

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 for services, fill out an intake form.

Pro Bono Project

Areas of Law: Civil, Employment, Housing, Consumer, Family, Probate

Good to Know: This organization provides free legal help to low-income persons in civil law cases. They also run several clinics including Consumer debt, Succession, Elder issues, Homelessness, Employment and Wage Claims.

The Self-Help Resource Center

Areas of Law: Civil, Family Law, Divorce, Name Change, Child Custody

Good to Know: Attorney and staff at the Self Help Center will not provide legal advice. They can provide general information and legal forms to persons without an attorney.

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

Areas of Law: Civil, Consumer, Employment, Domestic Violence, Family, Housing, Public Benefits, Tax

Good to Know: This organization does not handle criminal cases. Income limits apply to qualify for services.

AIDSLaw of Louisiana

Areas of Law: AID/HIV advocacy, Estate Planning, notary services, Debtor/Creditor, Public Benefits, Insurance/Employee Benefits, Discrimination on the basis of HIV Status in Employment, Housing and Access to Public Accommodations; and Issues of Confidentiality and Transmission liability.

Good to Know: AIDSLaw provides free legal services to low-income Louisiana residents (incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level) with an HIV and/or AIDS diagnosis.

Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

Areas of Law: Juvenile Rights

Good to Know: The Children’s Defense Team is New Orleans’ juvenile public defender, providing holistic, cross-disciplinary advocacy to help young people. Call to learn intake procedures.

Advocacy Center

Areas of Law: Disability, Public Benefits, Abuse/Neglect

Good to Know: This organization provides legal representation for issues relating to disability, special education, legal status, public benefits, community integration, institutional rights, employment and rehabilitation, and abuse/neglect, nursing homes and legal and ombudsman services for individuals living in group homes, psychiatric hospital and child residential facilities.

Metropolitan Center for Women and Children

Areas of Law: Divorce, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking

Good to Know: Legal services include referrals, assistance with filing protective orders, and representation in court for protective orders. There is no income requirement and all services are free.

Important: If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Catholic Charities of Diocese of Louisiana

Areas of Law: Asylum, Anti-Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization

Good to Know: This organization provides free/low-cost immigration legal services. They also run a weekly radio show on 107.5 FM. The guests are interviewed on various topics/segments to provide information to the community about services available, current issues, and the efforts of special service of public assistance and outreach efforts.

Entertainment Law Legal Assistance

Areas of Law: Copyright, Intellectual Property, Business Incorporation, Non-profit Incorporation, Contract Review/Disputes

Good to Know: This free legal service is for low-income artists, musicians, and grass roots non-profits in Louisiana. Call to learn about intake procedures.

Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice

Areas of Law: Criminal, Community Justice, Immigration, Family/Juvenile, Environmental Law, Worker’s Rights, Litigation and Technology

Good to Know: The Law School accepts cases only at certain times of the year. Call to learn more.

Tulane University Law School Clinics

Areas of Law: Civil, Criminal, Domestic Violence, Environmental, Juvenile, and Administrative Advocacy

Good to Know: The Law School only accepts cases at certain times of the year. Call to learn more.