Massachusetts Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Massachusetts, the organizations below may be a good place to start. Availability depends on the type of case, your income, and where you live. Some programs handle civil matters only, while public defenders generally assist with qualifying criminal cases.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation funds and supports civil legal aid programs throughout the state that assist low income residents with legal issues including housing, family law, employment, and public benefits.
Address
7 Winthrop Square
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Phone
(617) 367-8544
Website
https://www.mlac.org
Greater Boston Legal Services
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low income residents in the Boston area.
Address
197 Friend Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone
(617) 371-1234
Website
https://www.gbls.org
State Legal Information Site
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder helps residents locate legal aid organizations, court forms, and legal information resources throughout the state.
Website
https://masslrf.org
Free Online Legal Answers
Massachusetts Free Legal Answers
Massachusetts Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://massachusetts.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Programs
Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association
The Volunteer Lawyers Project connects individuals with volunteer attorneys who may provide free legal assistance for qualifying civil matters.
Address
7 Winthrop Square
Boston, MA 02110
Phone
(617) 423-0648
Website
https://www.vlpnet.org
Massachusetts Justice Project
The Massachusetts Justice Project works to improve access to justice for low income residents and supports legal aid services across the state.
Address
185 Devonshire Street
Suite 302
Boston, MA 02110
Phone
(617) 367-8544
Website
https://www.massjustice.org
Law School Clinics
Harvard Law School Legal Clinics
Harvard Law School operates legal clinics where students provide legal services under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
Clinic areas may include:
• Housing law
• Immigration law
• Consumer protection
• Criminal justice
Website
https://clinics.law.harvard.edu
Boston College Law School Clinics
Boston College Law School offers clinical programs where students provide legal services under attorney supervision.
Website
https://www.bc.edu/law/experiential-learning/clinics
Lawyer Directory or Referral
Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Massachusetts Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service to help individuals locate licensed attorneys throughout the state.
Phone
(866) 627-7577
Website
https://www.massbar.org
Public Defender
Committee for Public Counsel Services
If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender through the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services.
Address
75 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Phone
(617) 482-6212
Website
https://www.publiccounsel.net
Court and Self-Help Links
Massachusetts Court System
The Massachusetts court system website provides court information, forms, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-court-system
Important Note
Court locations, office hours, and program availability can change. Please confirm details directly with the organization before relying on this information.
ProBonoLawyers.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This website should be considered a directory intended to help people locate legal resources that may offer pro bono or reduced cost services. Use of this site does not create an attorney client relationship.