Req 10 — Access to Legal Help

Justice Should Not Depend on Your Wallet

The idea that everyone deserves equal justice under the law is one of the most important principles in our legal system. But hiring a lawyer can be expensive — often hundreds of dollars per hour. So what happens if you need legal help but cannot afford it? And what if you can afford a lawyer but do not know where to find one? This requirement covers both situations.

If You Cannot Afford a Lawyer

Public Defenders (Criminal Cases)

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that anyone accused of a crime has the right to an attorney. If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire your own lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you at no cost. This right was established by the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

Legal Aid Societies (Civil Cases)

For civil matters — like eviction, divorce, immigration, or consumer disputes — there is no constitutional right to a free lawyer. However, legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal services to people who qualify based on income. Nearly every state and major city has a legal aid society.

Pro Bono Services

Many private lawyers donate a portion of their time to work for free — called pro bono work (short for the Latin phrase “pro bono publico,” meaning “for the public good”). The American Bar Association recommends that every lawyer contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono service per year.

Law School Clinics

Law schools across the country run legal clinics where law students — supervised by experienced professors — provide free legal help to people in the community. These clinics handle real cases and give students hands-on experience while helping people who need it.

Other Free Resources

If You Can Afford a Lawyer but Don’t Know One

Finding the right lawyer for your specific situation is important. Here are the best ways to find one:

Lawyer Referral Services

Most state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services. You call the service, describe your legal issue, and they connect you with a qualified lawyer in your area who handles that type of case. Many offer a reduced-fee initial consultation (often around $30–50 for 30 minutes).

Online Directories

Reputable legal directories let you search for lawyers by location and specialty:

• The ABA Lawyer Referral Directory lists certified lawyer referral programs nationwide
• State bar association websites let you verify that a lawyer is licensed and in good standing

Personal Referrals

Ask people you trust — family members, friends, coworkers, your employer — if they know a good lawyer. Personal recommendations are one of the most common ways people find legal representation.

Your Employer or Union

Some employers offer legal assistance plans as an employee benefit, similar to health insurance. Labor unions may also provide legal services to their members.