Free Legal Aid in Providence

American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island

Areas of Law: Criminal Justice, Cyber Liberties, Discrimination, Election and Voting, Free Speech, LGBT Rights, Immigrant Rights, National Security, Police Practices, Poverty Rights, Prisons, Privacy, Reproductive Freedom and Youth Rights. 

Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal cases; cases occurring outside of Rhode Island; divorce, child custody or support cases; private employment disputes; or other civil disputes between private individuals.

Rhode Island Legal Services

Good to Know: RILS is the main provider of low-cost legal aid in the state. They also provides free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, regardless of their income, in a variety of civil matters, including representing victims of domestic violence in restraining orders cases. 

Volunteer Lawyer Program

Types of Cases: Most non-criminal matters including: Bankruptcy, Benefits Collections, Consumer, Employment, Family Law, Guardianship, Housing, License Registry, Special Education, Tort Defenses, and Wills.

Good to Know: This is a public service program administered by the Bar Association. Call in advance to see if you qualify. Staff is fluent in both English and Spanish. 

Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Areas of Law: Most areas of law. Call for details.

Good to Know: This is an attorney referral service. Reduced fee referrals are available to income eligible clients. All clients qualify for free half hour consultation. 

Rhode Island Disability Law Center

Good to Know: This office provides free legal assistance to persons with disabilities. Services include individual representation to protect rights or to secure benefits and services; self-help information; educational programs; and administrative and legislative advocacy. 

Catholic Charities of Providence - Office of Immigration and Refugee Services

Areas of Law: Adjustment of Status, Employment authorization, Family-based Visa petitions, NACARA, Naturalization/Citizenship, Temporary Protected Status, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions.

Good to Know: Representatives are fluent in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Tigrinya.

Homeless Legal Clinic

Areas of Law: Housing, Social Security, Medical Assistance, Veterans' issues, Family Independence Program, court procedures, bankruptcy and identification issues, Public Benefits, Unemployment Appeals, and Expungement.

Good to Know: The clinics are open to all individuals who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. Clinics are held at Amos House and Crossroads. 

Mediation Center of Rhode Island

Areas of Law: Neighborhood, Housing, Family, Consumer, Discrimination, Custody and Visitation.

Good to Know: All of CMCRI’s mediation services are either free or charged on a sliding scale based on income.  No client will be turned away due to an inability to pay.

Roger Williams University Clinical Programs

Areas of Law: Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Mediation.

Good to Know: The Clinics accept a very limited number of cases. Call for more information.