Free Legal Aid in Greensboro
Last updated: November 26, 2013
Greensboro has quite a legacy of social justice. Beginning with four students at a Woolworth’s lunch counter, and continuing with today’s wide-spread pro bono law activity, some folks in The Boro are truly committed to fighting for justice and serving the public.
This is a good thing because when you run into a legal issue that you need help with, getting legal assistance is not always easy. For one, picking an attorney can be a challenge. And next, you face the question of how much it will cost to get answers, much less help, in a legal case.
If you have legal troubles in and around Guilford County, you can bet that someone is available to help you out. This guide is here to provide a few options for free or low cost legal help in the Greensboro area. Below you can find local listings, contact information, and insider tips on legal aid groups.
Civil Law
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Legal Aid of North Carolina -- Greensboro Office
122 North Elm Street
Suite 700
Greensboro, NC 27401
Tel: (866) 219-5262The organization’s staff offers help to area residents with low incomes in non-criminal matters. Attorneys frequently focus on domestic violence prevention, housing discrimination, senior citizens’ rights, foreclosure prevention, farm workers’ rights, and family law.
Criminal Law and Involuntary Commitment
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Defender District 18 -- Guilford County
201 S. Eugene Street
P.O. Box 2368
Greensboro, NC 27402
Tel: (336) 412-7777Guilford County has a Public Defender office responsible for representing individuals accused of crimes and who cannot afford an attorney. The service may not be entirely free. If you are convicted or plea guilty, you may have to reimburse the State for cost of services. The office also represents individuals in civil commitment proceedings. Call the office for more information on appointment of counsel.
Referral
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NC Lawyers Referral Service
Tel: (800) 662-7660The North Carolina Bar Association does not provide legal services directly to clients, but it does have a foundation that sponsors the North Carolina Lawyers Referral Service. First, either dial the call center or fill out an online Find-a-Lawyer form. The service will give you a referral to an attorney in good standing who will charge you only $50 for the first half hour consultation.
Law Libraries
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Elon University School of Law, Law Library
201 North Greene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Tel: (336) 279-9329, (336) 279-9341The Elon Law Library is open to the general public 9:00 - 5:00, M - F. The facility features a public computer lab and an extensive collection of resources. Reference librarians are on duty and may be available to assist with all research questions.
Additional Resources
If you have a trial in federal court, the Middle District of North Carolina will preside over your case. The court has prepared a “Pro Se Packet” for individuals who decide to represent themselves in a federal civil case. The packet contains guidelines and forms that may be helpful as your case progresses.
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Guilford County Courthouse
Guilford County Law Library
201 S. Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Tel: (336) 412-7300The county law library is located within the Greensboro Courthouse building. For more information on this facility, see FindLaw’s page on Greensboro Courthouses.