Ohio Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Ohio, 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.
Ohio has a strong statewide legal aid network with multiple regional organizations providing assistance with housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Ohio Justice & Policy Center
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center provides legal assistance and advocacy in civil rights, reentry, and social justice issues.
Address
215 East 9th Street
Suite 601
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone
(513) 421-1108
Website
https://www.ohiojpc.org
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides free civil legal services to qualifying residents in northeast Ohio.
Address
1223 West 6th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone
(888) 817-3777
Website
https://lasclev.org
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus provides civil legal assistance to qualifying residents in central Ohio.
Address
1108 City Park Avenue
Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43206
Phone
(614) 224-8374
Website
https://www.columbuslegalaid.org
State Legal Information Site
Ohio Legal Help
Ohio Legal Help provides legal information, court forms, and step-by-step guidance for people representing themselves.
Website
https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org
Free Online Legal Answers
Ohio Free Legal Answers
Ohio Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://ohio.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Program
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation supports legal aid organizations and pro bono programs across the state.
Address
65 East State Street
Suite 1600
Columbus, OH 43215
Website
https://www.ohiojusticefoundation.org
Pro Seniors Legal Hotline
Pro Seniors provides free legal advice and assistance to Ohio residents age 60 and older.
Phone
(800) 488-6070
Website
https://www.proseniors.org
Law School Clinics
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Clinics
The Ohio State University offers legal clinics where students provide legal services under attorney supervision.
Clinic areas may include
• Civil law
• Criminal defense
• Immigration law
• Business law
Website
https://moritzlaw.osu.edu/clinics
University of Cincinnati College of Law Clinics
The University of Cincinnati offers clinical programs where students assist clients under attorney supervision.
Website
https://law.uc.edu/education/clinical.html
Lawyer Directory or Referral
Ohio State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Ohio State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service to help individuals locate licensed attorneys throughout the state.
Website
https://www.ohiobar.org
Public Defender
Ohio Public Defender
If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you.
Address
250 East Broad Street
Suite 1400
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone
(614) 466-5394
Website
https://opd.ohio.gov
Court and Self-Help Links
Ohio Judicial Branch
The Ohio Judicial Branch website provides court information, forms, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://www.supremecourt.ohio.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.