Maine Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Maine, 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
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides free civil legal services to qualifying low income residents throughout Maine. Services may include help with housing issues, family law matters, domestic violence protection, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Address
88 Federal Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone
(207) 774-8211
Website
https://www.ptla.org
Volunteer Lawyers Project
The Volunteer Lawyers Project connects qualifying individuals with volunteer attorneys who may provide free legal services in civil matters.
Address
One Canal Plaza
Suite 300
Portland, ME 04101
Phone
(207) 774-4348
Website
https://www.vlp.org
State Legal Information Site
Maine Judicial Branch Help Center
The Maine Judicial Branch provides legal information, court forms, and resources for individuals representing themselves in Maine courts.
Website
https://www.courts.maine.gov
Free Online Legal Answers
Maine Free Legal Answers
Maine Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://maine.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Programs
Legal Services for the Elderly
Legal Services for the Elderly provides free legal assistance to qualifying Maine residents who are age 60 or older.
Address
5 Baxter Boulevard
Portland, ME 04101
Phone
(800) 750-5353
Website
https://www.mainelse.org
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project provides legal assistance and advocacy for low income immigrants and asylum seekers in Maine.
Address
309 Cumberland Avenue
Suite 201
Portland, ME 04101
Phone
(207) 780-1593
Website
https://ilapmaine.org
Law School Clinics
University of Maine School of Law Clinics
The University of Maine School of Law offers legal clinics where law students provide legal services under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
Clinic areas may include:
• Refugee and human rights law
• Juvenile justice
• Prisoner assistance
• General practice
Website
https://mainelaw.maine.edu/academics/clinics
Lawyer Directory or Referral
Maine State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Maine State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service to help individuals locate licensed attorneys throughout Maine.
Phone
(800) 860-1460
Website
https://www.mainebar.org
Public Defender
Maine Commission on Public Defense Services
If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you.
Address
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone
(207) 287-3254
Website
https://www.maine.gov/mcils
Court and Self-Help Links
Maine Judicial Branch
The Maine Judicial Branch website provides court information, legal forms, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://www.courts.maine.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.