Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Free Legal Aid in Cleveland

Last updated: September 27, 2013

Sometimes you need a lawyer, but just can’t quite afford one.  If this is your situation, there are a variety of agencies in Cleveland that may be able to help you with legal advice or representation.  Depending on your income level, the services may be free or provided at a reduced cost.  Below are a few you may wish to contact.

Legal Aid Organizations

  • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

    1223 West Sixth Street
    Cleveland,
    OH 44113

    Tel: (216) 687-1900

    The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland handles a wide variety of civil matters.  Their focus is providing high quality legal services to the vulnerable and low-income. Legal Aid Society of Cleveland serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties in consumer, family, housing, education, work, public benefits and immigration matters. They sponsor free legal advice clinics on an ongoing basis throughout Cleveland on issues such as wills and estates, child support, sealing criminal records, naturalization, and more.  Check their calendar for specific details.  You may also call them directly to discuss your specific matter.  Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Vietnamese, Russian, and Swahili.  In addition, their Resource Center has an extensive collection of brochures and answers to Frequently Asked Questions that provide general legal information.

  • Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center

    11075 East Boulevard
    Cleveland,
    OH 44106

    Tel: (216) 368-2766

    The Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic is staffed by 3rd year law students working under the supervision of law professors.  It is designed to provide legal services to community members who are unable to afford legal counsel.  The clinic handles civil, criminal, and transactional matters.  Don’t underestimate the talent of these law students: in 2011, the Clinic won a $1.1 million verdict on behalf of a family in a home repair fraud matter. You may contact the Clinic by telephone (above) or email at lawclinic@case.edu.

  • Cuyahoga County Public Defender

    310 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 400
    Cleveland,
    OH 44113

    Tel: (216) 443-7223

    The Public Defender’s Office assists low-income criminal defendants.  The Cuyahoga County Office is split into four divisions: Felony, Appellate, Juvenile and Municipal.  The Felony Division generally represents individuals as assigned by the courts.  If you are charged with a misdemeanor, however, (e.g., DUI/OVI, petty theft, simple assault) and qualify for the income guidelines, you can seek representation through this office even without a court appointment.  Note, though, that the Public Defender does not handle routine traffic offenses (speeding, parking tickets or equipment violations).  The Public Defender may also be able to assist you with legal advice for criminal appeals.

  • Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program

    P.O. Box 93061
    Cleveland,
    OH 44101

    Tel: (216) 432-0543

    The Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program (“CHLAP”) is a partnership between Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.  The goal of this organization is to assist with civil law matters for those individuals who are currently, have been recently, or are in danger of becoming, homeless.  CHLAP does not handle criminal matters, but does commonly assist with civil matters including family law, landlord/tenant, public benefits, and more.  CHLAP offer intake sessions at various sites in Cleveland and also sponsors a monthly self-help divorce clinic, designed to empower individuals to assume their own representation.

  • American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio

    4506 Chester Avenue
    Cleveland,
    OH 44103

    Tel: (216) 472-2200

    The ACLU only takes approximately 30 cases per year and they are limited to those involving violation of constitutional rights by the government.  They generally do not take on cases involving landlord/tenant disputes, divorce, employment, etc.  Still, if you need legal assistance with a civil liberties matter, you may contact them by mail or online with a description of your issue.  They will contact you only if they can assist.  However, they caution that you not wait to talk to another attorney in the meantime so as to be sure not to miss any important deadlines.

  • Housing Advocates Inc.

    3214 Prospect Avenue East
    Cleveland,
    OH 44115

    Tel: (216) 431-7400

    Established in 1975, the mission of Housing Advocates, Inc. is “the promotion of equal housing opportunities, tenant rights and affordable housing.”  Among other programs, they operate a Fair Housing Law Clinic in conjunction with the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, as well as a free housing counseling program for homeowners who are or are in danger of becoming delinquent on their mortgages (“the Save Our Homes From Foreclosure (“SOHF”) program.  Hotline: 216-370-2283).      

Was this helpful?

Response sent, thank you

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options