District of Columbia Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Washington, DC, 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
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
The Legal Aid Society of DC provides free civil legal services to qualifying low income residents of the District of Columbia. Services may include help with housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Address
1331 H Street NW
Suite 350
Washington, DC 20005
Phone
(202) 628-1161
Website
https://www.legalaiddc.org
State Legal Information Site
DC Law Help
DC Law Help provides legal information, self-help resources, and links to free legal services available throughout Washington, DC.
Website
https://www.dclawhelp.org
Free Online Legal Answers
DC Free Legal Answers
DC Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive answers from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://dc.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Programs
DC Bar Pro Bono Center
The DC Bar Pro Bono Center connects individuals with volunteer attorneys and operates several programs that provide legal assistance to low income residents.
Address
1250 H Street NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone
(202) 737-4700
Legal Information Help Line
(202) 626-3499
Website
https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono
Corporate Pro Bono
Corporate Pro Bono works with in-house legal departments and corporate lawyers to expand pro bono legal services nationwide.
Address
600 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone
(202) 662-9699
Website
https://www.cpbo.org
Law School Clinics
Georgetown Law Clinics
Georgetown University Law Center operates numerous legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide legal assistance to individuals and community organizations.
Clinic areas may include:
• Criminal justice
• Immigration law
• Housing law
• Civil rights
• Domestic violence advocacy
Website
https://www.law.georgetown.edu/experiential-learning/clinics/
Lawyer Directory or Referral
DC Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The DC Bar offers a lawyer referral service that helps connect individuals with licensed attorneys in the District of Columbia.
Website
https://www.dcbar.org
Public Defender
Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender through the Public Defender Service.
Address
633 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone
(202) 628-1200
Website
https://www.pdsdc.org
Court and Self-Help Links
District of Columbia Courts Self-Help Center
The DC Courts website provides court forms, legal information, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves in court.
Website
https://www.dccourts.gov
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.