Find free legal advice in New Jersey

Thousands of people in New Jersey need access to free legal services to help them deal with matters they are facing. They can get help from Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ). This is a non-profit, independent organization that administers the statewide Legal Services system. The organization has a goal of providing equal access to attorneys and services to all families and individuals in New Jersey. They can coordinate free legal assistance and representation to low and moderate income people across the state. Some of the programs they offer include those listed at bottom, however they also provide other aid.

Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties

If you can’t afford to pay for an attorney, you can turn to Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) for help. This non-profit organization provides low and moderate income individuals with free legal advice and services. Call them at 201-487-2166 for more information.

Monmouth and Ocean County

Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services offers free legal services and resources to help people deal with a broad range of issues. They can help with housing, foreclosures, people dealing with government assistance and benefits, family matters, consumer cases, credit card debt and counseling, and others. Contact is (732) 866-0020.

Mercer, Middlesex, or Union County

If you need help dealing with a legal matter, and can’t afford your own attorney, Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc. ((609) 695-6249) may be able to provide you with free legal aid. They are a nonprofit law firm that provides free advice and representation in civil cases to low-income people and others who can’t afford an attorney. It covers people who live in the Central New Jersey area. Central Jersey Legal Services has provided free legal help to residents of central New Jersey for almost 50 years. If you or your family is encountering a legal problem, and if cannot afford to hire your own attorney, this non-profit organization may be able to help you. They have highly trained paralegals and attorneys that can provide you with numerous services and resources. Overall they will improve your understanding of your legal rights and they will explain what actions you can take to solve your problem and resolve the matter.

 

 

 

Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren, Morris, and Sussex Counties

Low income residents, senior citizens, and others who need legal advice can get help from Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey. They can be reached at (908) 782-7979.

Essex County

Contact Essex-Newark Legal Services if you need legal representation, advice, or access to its services. (973) 824-3000

Burlington, Gloucester, Camden, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May Counties

Thousands of people in the southern part of New Jersey are struggling in this weak economy. People are facing foreclosures, need help on navigating government programs, and may be dealing with legal issues at work. If you are having any legal issues, and need help, South Jersey Legal Services provides low and moderate income residents with free advice. Call this organization at (609) 261-1088 to speak to an attorney for free

 

Free legal services and programs offered to New Jersey residents

The non-profit agencies listed above offer some or all of the following services to New Jersey residents.

• Rental and Housing Units: Get representation and legal advice in landlord/tenant matters, help with rental assistance programs, legal help with foreclosures, public housing, community economic development, eviction prevention advice, and other housing and rental matters.
   
• Workers Legal Rights Project: Offers education, legal representation, and advocacy to low-wage workers in employment matters such as Family and Medical Leave Act, Wage and Hour Disputes, Discrimination Matters, Retaliation (Whistleblower/CEPA), Barriers to Job Employment, and Employment Benefits Issues.
   
• Foreclosure Assistance / Defense Project: This is a resource that provides free legal assistance to homeowners who are faced the loss of their home due to a mortgage foreclosure filing. Aid and counsel can help people stop a foreclosure filing. Read more on New Jersey foreclosure programs.
   
• Health Care Access Project: Get counsel and representation at administrative hearings for government assistance programs, such as Medicaid eligibility determinations, NJ FamilyCare and Medicare cases. Also get help in dealing with legal issues that may result from health insurance companies. Attorneys can also advice on medical debt collection laws in New Jersey. Read more.

 

 

• Senior Law Project: Offers legal assistance, advice, and representation in order to protect and secure the rights of senior citizens, who are defined as older persons who are 60 years and older. Receive help with Housing, Consumer, Family, Public Benefits, Health, Medical and other legal matters.
   
• Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: This is a service that helps individuals and families with IRS related cases or controversies. They can even help with state of New Jersey tax issues. The clinic also provides educational services about tax rights, responsibilities, and obligations.
   
• Anti-Predatory Lending Project: If you are the victim of aggressive banks or lenders, get free legal help from this program. It will provide individuals with representation to help them deal with the predatory banks or lenders. It can also assist homeowners who are victims of predatory lending practices and who may be in danger of losing their most important asset, their home. It can also help with payday lenders.
   
• Family Representation Project: Offers New Jersey families legal advice and representation. It can aid parents in cases where The Division of Youth and Family Services takes action limiting their rights or obligations.
   
• Immigration Legal Rights Project: This will increase education and awareness about immigration issues and programs through advice and representation on behalf of citizens and Legal Permanent Residents. It can also help undocumented or illegal individuals who would be eligible for assistance through the Violence Against Women Act “VAWA”, or are eligible for a U Visa or T Visa.