New York Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in New York, 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.
New York has one of the largest legal aid networks in the country, with many organizations providing assistance for housing, family law, immigration, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Legal Services NYC
Legal Services NYC is one of the largest providers of free civil legal services in the country, helping low income residents throughout New York City with housing, family law, immigration, and public benefits.
Address
40 Worth Street
Suite 606
New York, NY 10013
Phone
(917) 661-4500
Website
https://www.legalservicesnyc.org
New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
NYLAG provides free civil legal services to qualifying individuals across New York State, including assistance with housing, immigration, family law, and disaster relief.
Address
100 Pearl Street
19th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone
(212) 613-5000
Website
https://www.nylag.org
State Legal Information Site
LawHelpNY
LawHelpNY provides legal information, self-help resources, and referrals to legal aid programs throughout New York State.
Website
https://www.lawhelpny.org
Free Online Legal Answers
New York Free Legal Answers
New York Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://ny.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Program
Volunteer Legal Services Project (VLSP)
The Volunteer Legal Services Project connects individuals with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance in civil matters.
Address
40 Worth Street
Suite 606
New York, NY 10013
Website
https://www.vlsp.org
Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society provides free legal services in both civil and criminal matters to qualifying individuals, primarily in New York City.
Address
199 Water Street
New York, NY 10038
Phone
(212) 577-3300
Website
https://www.legalaidnyc.org
Law School Clinics
Columbia Law School Clinical Programs
Columbia Law School offers legal clinics where students provide legal services under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
Clinic areas may include
• Human rights
• Housing law
• Criminal defense
• Immigration law
Website
https://www.law.columbia.edu/clinics
New York University School of Law Clinics
NYU Law operates clinical programs where students assist clients under attorney supervision.
Website
https://www.law.nyu.edu/academics/clinics
Lawyer Directory or Referral
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The New York State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service to help individuals locate licensed attorneys throughout the state.
Website
https://nysba.org
Public Defender
New York State Public Defense System
Public defender services in New York are administered at the county level, with oversight from the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services.
Website
https://www.ils.ny.gov
Court and Self-Help Links
New York Courts
The New York Courts website provides court information, forms, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://www.nycourts.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.