Free Legal Aid in Rochester
Last updated: November 26, 2013
Rochester is a great place to live, but just like in any city or town, getting legal help may mean spending more money than the average citizen wants to. Are you looking for a free or low-cost lawyer, but aren’t sure where to turn? Here at FindLaw we understand that legal fees can be tough on the pocketbook. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of free or low-cost legal service providers in Rochester for you to choose from.
The main provider is The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, but there are several more. Income limits may apply. Contact the specific agency to learn more.
General Law
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American Civil Liberties Union of New York
121 North Fitzhugh Street
Suite 300
Rochester, NY 14614
Tel: (716) 454-4334Areas 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: All client intake is handled by phone, mail, or e-mail only (geneseevalley@nyclu.org). Make sure to write “Client Services” in the subject line. Write a one or two page detailed description of the events that have led you to file a complaint, who was involved, the current status of your case and what you would like the civil liberties union to do. They do not accept criminal or family court cases.
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Empire Justice Center
One West Main Street
Suite 200
Rochester, NY 14614
Tel: (585) 454-4060Areas of Law: Family, Domestic Violence, Disability, Consumer Law, Employment, Health, Housing, Immigrant Rights, Public Benefits
Good to Know: This organization provides services to low-income residents in Monroe County. If you live outside this area, contact them to find an office near you.
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The Legal Aid Society of Rochester
One West Main Street
Suite 800
Rochester, NY 14614
Tel: (585) 232-4090Areas of Law: Family, Housing, Immigration, Health, Education, and Juvenile Justice
Good to Know: This office offers direct legal services to Monroe County residents. Applicants must qualify for services under financial guidelines. These guidelines are based on household size, income and assets. Most families who receive government benefits or who have minimum wage jobs are eligible for services.
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Legal Assistance of Western New York
One West Main Street
4th Floor
Rochester, NY 14614
Tel: (585)325-2520Areas of Law: Housing, Employment, Criminal Record Expungement, Public Benefits, Senior Legal Services, Wills, HIV/AIDS/Cancer Advocacy
Good to Know: This organization provides legal services to 14 counties in western New York including: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates Counties.
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Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County
1 West Main Street
5th Floor
Rochester, NY 14614
Tel: (585) 232-3051Areas of Law: Divorces, Family Law, Landlord, Unemployment Insurance, Bankruptcy, Consumer and Wills
Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys provide civil legal services free of charge to those who qualify under income guidelines. They also have several legal clinics.
Disability Support
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Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Victims
P.O. Box 20023
Rochester, NY 14602
Tel: (585) 286-2713Areas of Law: Abuse, Neglect, Domestic Violence, And Sexual Abuse
Good to Know: This is a full-service advocacy organization. Services and referral support is free for Monroe County residents who are deaf, deaf-blind, Hard of Hearing, and/or from Deaf and signing families.
Domestic Violence
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Alternatives for Battered Women, Inc.
PO Box 39601
Rochester, NY 14604
Tel: (585) 232-7353Area of Law: Domestic Violence
Good to Know: This is a full-service agency providing both legal services and an emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Call to learn more.
HIV/AIDS Services
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Catholic Charities Community Services
1099 Jay Street
Building J
Rochester, NY 14611
Tel: (585) 339-9800Areas of Law: HIV/AIDS, Wills, Guardianships
Good to Know: This organization provides legal planning services for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS and living in Monroe County.
Law School Clinics
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Cornell Law School Legal Clinics
158 Myron Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Tel: (607) 255-1030Areas of Law: Children's Rights, Capital Punishment, Criminal Defense, Immigration, Innocence Project, International Human Rights, Juvenile Justice, Labor Law, LGBT Rights, Securities
Good to Know: The law school only takes on new cases at certain times of the year. Call to learn about intake procedures.