The Boston Bar Association`s Volunteer Lawyers project provides civil legal representation to the needy in Boston through the pro bono services of a wide range of more than 1,000 private lawyers. With so many volunteer lawyers, the committee is able to handle many different types of cases. The following organizations may provide immigration law services through BIA-accredited lawyers or representatives: The Children`s Law Center of Massachusetts provides legal and advocacy advice to low-income children. They regularly address issues such as emancipation, immigration, the rights of “elderly” foster children, access to education and the collateral consequences of the involvement of juvenile courts. Try calling their 1-888-KIDLAW8 helpline on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a lawyer immediately. The Committee for Public Counsel Services is the public defender for the Boston area. They oversee the legal representation of the poor in criminal cases where there is a right to a lawyer, as well as in certain related civil cases where a person`s liberty is in the state, such as mental health proceedings.
The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute specializes in large-scale legislative initiatives that address the root causes of poverty, remove barriers to opportunity, and promote economic stability. Its programs include labour law, family homelessness, family law and domestic violence, health care, housing, immigration and civil rights. Free legal representation for low-income seniors may be eligible for full legal representation in certain civil cases. Boston Legal Aid and Boston Legal Aid are available in Boston, MA. Boston has more colleges per capital than any other city in America, and with so many colleges, there are also several law schools. Boston Law Schools offer a great way to access free, discounted legal services through law school clinics, which provide legal services under the direction of a law professor with the help of law students. Non-profit, state-sponsored legal aid programs also exist in Boston. The legal world can be a confusing place, so it`s usually in your best interest to hire a qualified professional. However, many people do not have the means to be represented by a lawyer, even though the need for support can be great. Fortunately, Boston`s legal aid groups specialize in representing low-income people and people in particularly vulnerable situations, such as recent immigrants, children or abused women. The Disability Law Center provides protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with a variety of disabilities (physical, psychiatric, sensory, or cognitive), regardless of income. Instead of providing support on general legal issues, they specialize in facilitating access to community services, special education, health care and disability benefits for people with disabilities.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) offers a list of pro bono legal service providers in various states. Visit www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-map for the map. Greater Boston Legal Services does not discriminate against individuals who use services on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, age, religion, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Massachusetts Legal Aid Corporation provides free civil assistance to low-income individuals. They usually deal with civil issues such as custody, domestic violence, housing, health care, employment, government benefits, and the elderly. The Massachusetts Advocates for Children provide legal services to children who are at risk due to poverty, race, limited English or disability and who face significant barriers to equal educational and opportunity opportunities. They have a specific program aimed at School Reform in Boston and run the Legal Support Center for Special Education in Autism. The National Consumer Law Center helps low-income and other disadvantaged people, including the elderly, solve consumer law issues such as bankruptcy, credit discrimination, foreclosures, car sales, debt collection, and student loans. Significantly, they offer free or affordable expert services that could be critical to the success of your consumer trial. Boston College`s Office of Legal Assistance is led by Boston College law students and overseen by practicing lawyers. They advise and represent clients on a variety of legal issues, including domestic violence prevention, family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and Social Security disability appeals. They also provide free legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and first-time homebuyers through their community business clinic.
Prisoners` Legal Services provides civilian assistance to people incarcerated in Massachusetts state jails or county jails. They can help address issues such as access to medical care (including mental health care), assaults on staff, extreme conditions of detention, and segregation. They do NOT deal with criminal matters that are not directly related to detention. The Community Legal Services and Counseling Center is run entirely by volunteers and provides free civil assistance to those in need. They provide legal assistance in the areas of family law and domestic violence; housing and prevention of homelessness; disability benefits; and immigration and refugee rights. They also provide affordable psychological care. Each week, Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) provides free legal assistance and representation in civil (non-criminal) cases to hundreds of the most needy residents of Boston City and 31 surrounding towns and villages. For an in-depth review of legal immigration providers, services, and detention centers in the United States, visit the Immigrant Advocates Network`s National Directory of Immigration Legal Services in immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/LegalDirectory. Who we are: The Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau is a legal advisory office and training center for Boston College law students. Cases are handled by law students who are supervised by lawyers. How to contact us: If you need legal help, call (781) 893-4793 (TTY: (781) 736-9006) and request an interview with our intake worker. Who we help: Our services are free for low-income residents of Waltham, Watertown and Newton.
Services for small businesses and entrepreneurs, nonprofits and first-time homebuyers are free for eligible customers in the Greater Boston area. The Citizenship Works directory will help you find a non-profit organization in your area that is qualified to help you with your case. Visit www.citizenshipworks.org/findlegalhelp to learn more. The Wilmer Hale Legal Services Center at Harvard Law School offers free or significantly reduced legal representation to Harvard law students supervised by a licensed attorney. They can help you with issues related to disability benefits, estate planning, consumer law, family law, government benefits, housing law and veterans` benefits. Who can I turn to if the Legal Aid Office can`t help me? There are many organizations that provide different types of legal services in the Boston metropolitan area. Please visit our links page for more information. The key to choosing a qualified legal counsel is to contact a group that specializes in your particular legal issue and feel comfortable talking seriously with the person who represents your interests.
To make your search easier, we`ve compiled a list of reliable legal aid groups in Boston. Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil assistance to low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. They have a large team of lawyers and can help you with issues related to consumer rights, seniors, health and disability law, labour law, family law, housing law, immigration issues and social assistance. They also have specific programs designed to help Asian Americans and children with disabilities. Before you call, check to see if you qualify for free assistance according to the income guidelines. At Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), our team of 69 lawyers and 17 paralegals provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in boston and the surrounding area. Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (617) 495-4408 Ascentria Care Alliance 94 North Elm Street, Suite 401 Westfield, MA 01085 Tel: (413) 787-0725 Northeast Justice Center 181 Union Street, Suite 201B Lynn, MA 01901 Tel. : (781) 599-7730; 1-888-657-2889.
