Free Legal Aid in Albuquerque

American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico

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, complaints about lawyers or judges, or tribal law matters. To apply, fill out the intake form.

Courthouse Booth Lawyer Referral Service

Case Types: Child Custody, Dissolution of Marriage, Domestic Violence, Housing, Wills, Name Change, Landlord/Tenant, Small Claims-Civil

Good to Know: Call to learn dates and times.

Bridge to Justice Referral Program

Areas of Law: Civil Rights, Community Development, Consumer, Debt/Credit/Bankruptcy, Disability, Education, Elder Law, Employment, Family & Juvenile, Foreclosure, Health, HIV/AIDS, Homeless, Housing, Immigration & Naturalization, Life Planning, Nonprofit Organizations, Prisoners, Public Benefits, Taxes, Veterans

Good to Know: This is not a free service. You will get a 30-minute consultation with an attorney for $30.

New Mexico Legal Aid

Areas of Law: Landlord/Tenant disputes, Family law, Public Benefit, Housing and Job Discrimination, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, Employee Rights, Elder Law,

Mental Health and Disability Issues, Native American, Immigration

Good to Know: This organization provides free legal services to qualifying low-income New Mexico residents. They do not handle any criminal matters.

Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy Clinic

Areas of Law: Bankruptcy, Consumer Debt

Good to Know: This office offers bankruptcy assistance for low-income residents of Bernalillo County. Workshops begin with a presentation by volunteer attorneys, followed by a question and answer period. After the lecture, attorneys meet with individuals for a free one-on-one consultation to discuss specific bankruptcy and consumer debt issues.

Disability Rights of New Mexico

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 New Mexico. Your legal issue must directly relate from your disability.

Lawyer Referral for the Elderly

Areas of Law: Civil Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, Powers of Attorney / Advance Healthcare Directives, Guardianships/Conservatorships, Long-Term Care, Foreclosure, Renters and Homeowners issues, Employment, Consumer Protection, Grandparent Caregivers, Creditor Problems, Transfer on Death Deeds, Estate Planning

Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys are available to answer basic legal questions via phone free of charge for New Mexico residents age 55 and over. They can also provide attorney referrals for more complex legal issues.

Enlace Comunitario

Areas of Law: Family, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault

Good to Know: Domestic violence services are offered in Spanish and free of cost to victims of domestic violence and their children, regardless of their legal immigration status. Attorneys represent clients in civil domestic violence and domestic matters cases.

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

New Mexico Family Legal Assistance

Areas of Law: Family Law, Domestic Violence, Landlord/Tenant, Small Claims

Good to Know: NMFLAG provides free legal assistance to unrepresented litigants. Dates and times vary. Call to learn intake procedure.

Pegasus Legal Services for Children

Areas of Law: Family, Child Abuse, Neglect, Foster, Health care, Education, Guardianship

Good to Know: This is a free legal resource for children, youth, and their caregivers. Call to learn about intake procedures.

Southwest Women’s Law Center

Areas of Law: Gender discrimination, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Worker’s Rights

Good to Know: This organization takes a small number of cases. They generally assist in locating legal resources and referrals. They will NOT able assist in obtaining protective orders if you are a victim of domestic violence or with matters involving family law, including child support and child custody.

Homeless Legal Clinic

Area of Law: Homeless rights, Housing, Veterans, Public Benefits

Good to Know: This clinic is run through the State Bar and has limited hours. Call to learn about the intake procedure.

Catholic Charities Legal Services of New Mexico

Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, and Naturalization

Good to Know: This organization handles a range of immigration-related issue. Services are free, but they do not handle cases that would involve the Immigration Court in El Paso, which are generally those involving deportation, removal, or serious criminal offenses.

El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos

Areas of Law: Worker’s Compensation, Labor Rights, Housing, Drivers’ Licenses, and Healthcare

Good to Know: This organization operates an immigrants’ rights hotline and information center. Call to learn more.

The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty

Areas of Law: Civil, Public Benefits

Good to Know: This organization provides legal advocacy for low-income New Mexicans who need representation in state administrative systems, the legislature and the courts regarding public benefits. Call to learn more.

Legal Assistance to Military Personnel (LAMP)

Area of Law: Civil

Good to Know: This is a legal service for active military personnel and their families, including Reservists and National Guardsmen. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of soldier’s deployment, the legal issue, and household income.

University Of New Mexico School Of Law

Areas of Law: Small Business, Housing, Domestic Violence, Immigration, Native American and Tribal Law

Good to Know: Cases are only accepted at 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.