Free Legal Aid in New York

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.

It seems like just about everything is more expensive in New York City, and legal help is no different. Fortunately, there are several organizations across the city that offer free or low-cost legal help to people who qualify for it. If you have a legal problem and can’t afford a private attorney, consider calling or visiting one of the organizations below to see what they can do for you. You can also search by specific legal service by scrolling down the page.

General Legal Aid Organizations

  • The Legal Aid Society

    199 Water Street
    New York,     NY 10038
    Tel: Tel: (212) 577-3300

    The Legal Aid Society is the oldest and largest legal aid program helping low-income individuals in the United States. It covers a broad array of practice areas. If you’re eligible for help, Legal Aid Society is equipped to assist you. Legal Aid Society has office locations in each of the five boroughs.

    •

  • The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

    7 Hanover Square, 18th Floor
    New York,     NY 10004
    Tel: Tel: (212) 613-5000

    With a fulltime legal staff of over 100 people, as well as more than 800 volunteers, NYLAG has 51 intake sites across the five boroughs of New York City. NYLAG does not offer help with criminal legal issues, but covers many other types of legal issues. Call (212) 613-5000 for a free consultation over the phone.

    •

  • Legal Services NYC

    40 Worth Street, Suite 606
    New York,     NY 10013
    Tel: Tel: (646) 442-3600

    The largest free civil legal services provider in the country, Legal Services NYC helps over 60,000 people with their legal problems every year. Legal Services NYC has several offices throughout each of the five boroughs. Visit the organization’s network page to find the appropriate office.

    •

  • New York City Civil Court Volunteer Lawyers Project

    111 Centre Street, Room 104
    New York,     NY 10013


    If you have a civil case (non-criminal) in the New York City Civil Court and you need help understanding your legal papers or your case, the Volunteer Lawyers Project is a good place to start. The Project doesn’t offer representation, but volunteers can help you sort through and understand your legal case.

    •

  • Urban Justice Center

    123 William Street 16th Floor
    New York,     NY 10038
    Tel: Tel: (646) 602-5600

    The Urban Justice Center works with individuals and communities in New York City to end discrimination and abuse. The Center also gives New Yorkers who cannot afford a private attorney access to certain legal services. UJC has eleven projects that focus on different legal areas. If your legal problem falls within one of these eleven categories, contact UJC for help.

    •
Was this helpful?

Helpful Links

Popular Directory Searches