Free legal services from lawyers in New York State
Free lawyer consultations are available across New York State. Pro-bono lawyers, paralegals and non-profits help low-income families and senior citizens with civil legal cases. Get help with an eviction or foreclosure, assistance in applying for government benefits, online or phone consultations and other services. Learn how to get free legal aid in New York State.
There are several not-for-profit law offices located throughout the state that people can turn to. They offer free legal advice, information, representation, and consultations to the thousands of people who can't afford a lawyer on their own. Some of the clients include low income, everyday working people, families, the elderly and people with disabilities. However people of all backgrounds have received support.
Free attorneys that help with evictions or foreclosures
A major focus of the legal aid is on helping with housing issues; including support for tenants, homeowners, and the homeless. Low and moderate income homeowners in New York who are at risk of foreclosure can receive help from an attorneys in their community. The volunteer, government supported legal services can provide free legal assistance to those homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure. As part of the program in place, homeowners may be entitled to a settlement conference or foreclosure mediation. Or they can get help in completing applications to various mortgage relief programs.
If you have received a foreclosure notice, or if you are notified about a possible settlement conference before a judge, or you have received a 90 day notice that your bank or lender wants to start foreclosure proceedings, please call for legal help. The services and consultations are free for eligible clients.
Tenants can get a free lawyer as well. Pro-bono law firms across NYS provide free legal assistance and representation to low income and other individuals that have housing problems. Services are offered to help with eviction proceedings, landlord-tenant problems, unsanitary apartments or living conditions, Section 8 subsidy and public housing. The firms do what they can to keep tenants in their current residence or apartment. You can also get legal help for utility and heating disputes with utility companies and this may be able to prevent a shut off of your account.
Consumer and income legal aid programs
Lawyers from these non-profit firms in New York can provide legal help that can help people with government programs, consumer issues, and income disputes. For example, get assistance with accessing both federal and New York government assistance benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid. Lawyers offer advice to consumers in order to help people stay in their homes and apartments. Services can even help people keep food on the table by ensuring they receive access to benefits such as food stamps. Specifically, get free legal help with:
- If your government benefits, including from social security, were wrongfully calculated, denied, or improperly terminated.
- Lawyers can provide free legal help to stop questionable or illegal utility disconnections. Learn more on legal rights for utility shut offs.
- Attorneys can assist individuals and families with filing applications for Unemployment Insurance, SNAP Food Stamps, illegal job termination’s, Medicaid and Medicare programs as well as other public assistance and Safety Net programs.
- Get assistance for obtaining federal bankruptcy protection where appropriate or filing bankruptcy.
- Stopping unlawful debt collection practices and collectors.
- Overcoming illegal sale warranties or contracts.
- Volunteer attorneys in New York also help immigrants and migrant workers, including assistance with work permits, green cards and similar needs.
NY lawyers that assistance with family law cases
Receive support for dealing with various domestic and family legal issues, including child custody and unpaid child support. There are lawyers in NY that will help low-income women, including those facing abuse, file for divorce or restraining orders. Or get help with illegal arrests and similar cases.
While free legal services will help low-income families in New York State with Family Law needs, this will only be for civil cases. Criminal cases are not supported by the pro-bono attorneys. However there can be referrals provided, but this is not a major service of the legal aid programs.
Elder law attorney cases
A major focus of the free legal services is on helping senior citizens, the elderly, and disabled. Consultations are given for free regardless of the person’s income. The elderly person’s family members or caregivers in NYS can also use the advice of an attorney too. Non-profit law firms can help seniors resolve issues, questions and problems for legal issues such as.
- Age discrimination and public benefits issues.
- Elder abuse, unsafe conditions, and similar situations.
- Government programs such as Medicaid and Social Security claims.
- Long-term care and Estate planning.
- Housing issues, including foreclosures and evictions.
The lawyers will also help the elderly with Representative Payee Services, meaning that an attorney will help ensure the senior citizens finances are accurately portrayed. This will reduce potential fraud of the elderly. The Representative Payee Services often combined with resources of an agency on aging offices as well as non-profit credit counseling if needed.
New York non-profit law firm contact information
Examples of these free legal services offered (as well as others) have assisted senior citizens, people who get public benefits, and military veterans. Programs are even available for non-U.S. citizens, refugees and immigrants and temporary workers. Find information on the free legal assistance, resources and services offered, as well as the contact information for the non-profit firms
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York - This non-profit law firm provides coverage to the following counties: Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Otsego. The main office is based at 221 S Warren St, Syracuse, NY 13202, with smaller offices in the various towns. Call them at (315) 703-6600.
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York - Lawyers from this organization provide legal services and no cost consultations to low-income and other people in 16 counties of Northeastern New York. Their primary offices are located in Albany, Amsterdam, Canton, Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs New York. Call 518-462-6765.
Legal Assistance of Western New York - This agency assists residents in the western part of the state. They have offices in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester. The counties in which they provide free legal services include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates Counties. Dial (585)325-2520 to contact lawyers from this firm. The main location is at 1 W Main St #400, Rochester, NY 14614. Or learn more on Neighborhood Legal Services.
Legal Services NYC - If you live in the New York City area or the boroughs of Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens, this is the non-profit firm that can help. The lawyers speak multiple languages, help migrants and others in need. The phone number for a free consult is 917-661-4500 or 646-442-3600.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley - Can help individuals and families with civic legal cases in Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster Counties of New York Dial 877-574-8529 for assistance.
Nassau/Suffolk Law Services Committee - This non-profit law firm supports people in the Long Island area, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Dial (516) 292-8100 to apply for free legal advice and learn about the programs they administer.
Neighborhood Legal Services - While the primary office is located at 237 Main St #400, Buffalo, NY 14203, they provide free legal services to persons with low to moderate income, the elderly and persons with disabilities who live in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties. Call (716) 847-0650.
Additional resources for free legal aid in NYS
People across the state, regardless of their income, have other places to turn too for legal advice, free tips, and support. As an example, LawhelpNY.org is a non-profit association that offers advice on civil needs.
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