Rhode Island Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Rhode Island, 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.
Rhode Island has a smaller but well organized legal aid system with strong statewide coverage for civil legal issues.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Rhode Island Legal Services
Rhode Island Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low income residents across the state. Services may include help with housing, family law, domestic violence protection, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Address
56 Pine Street
Suite 400
Providence, RI 02903
Phone
(401) 274-2652
Website
https://www.rils.org
State Legal Information Site
Rhode Island Judiciary Self-Help
The Rhode Island Judiciary provides court forms, information, and guidance for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://www.courts.ri.gov
Rhode Island Legal Help
Rhode Island Legal Help provides plain language legal information for common legal issues.
Website
https://www.helprilaw.org
Free Online Legal Answers
Rhode Island Free Legal Answers
Rhode Island Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://rhodeisland.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Program
Rhode Island Bar Association Pro Bono Program
The Rhode Island Bar Association supports pro bono services and helps connect individuals with volunteer attorneys.
Address
115 Cedar Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone
(401) 421-5740
Website
https://www.ribar.com
Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Volunteer Lawyers Program provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals through volunteer attorneys.
Address
56 Pine Street
Suite 400
Providence, RI 02903
Phone
(401) 421-7758
Website
https://www.rils.org
Law School Clinics
Roger Williams University School of Law Clinics
Roger Williams University offers legal clinics where students provide services under attorney supervision.
Clinic areas may include
• Family law
• Criminal defense
• Immigration law
• Business law
Website
https://law.rwu.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics
Lawyer Directory or Referral
Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Rhode Island Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service to help individuals locate licensed attorneys.
Website
https://www.ribar.com
Public Defender
Rhode Island Office of the 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
160 Pine Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone
(401) 222-3492
Website
https://www.opd.ri.gov
Court and Self-Help Links
Rhode Island Judiciary
The Rhode Island Judiciary website provides court information, forms, and self-help resources.
Website
https://www.courts.ri.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.