Free Legal Aid in Alabama(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Alabama's free legal aid system is anchored by Legal Services Alabama, which provides civil legal help to low-income residents across the state. The Alabama State Bar also operates a lawyer referral service and volunteer lawyers program to connect people with affordable legal assistance.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Alabama through Legal Services Alabama (LSA), which has offices statewide. LSA handles housing, family law, public benefits, and some expungement cases. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program provides additional pro bono help. Alabama also has reentry legal services through organizations like the Alabama Reentry Initiative.
Alabama Legal Aid Organization
Legal Services Alabama
Website: legalservicesalabama.org
Phone: 1-866-456-4995
Statewide legal aid organization providing free civil legal services to low-income Alabamians in areas including housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/al-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Statewide civil legal services for low-income residents
Policy advocacy and direct services for poverty, criminal justice reform, and immigration
Pro bono legal services coordinated through the state bar
Reentry Legal Services
Helps formerly incarcerated individuals with expungement, driver's license restoration, employment barriers, and other reentry-related legal issues.
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals across Alabama.
Law School Clinics
Civil legal services including consumer, housing, and family law
Family law, elder law, and mediation services
Pro Bono Programs
Matches low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys for free legal representation in civil matters.
Public Defender System
County-Based
Alabama uses a county-based public defender system. Some counties have full-time public defender offices, while others rely on court-appointed attorneys.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Services Alabama
Call the statewide intake line at 1-866-456-4995 or apply online at legalservicesalabama.org. You can also visit a local office.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to the volunteer lawyers program, a law school clinic, or another appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Alabama Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Alabama?
- Contact Legal Services Alabama at 1-866-456-4995 or apply online at legalservicesalabama.org. You can also call the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-392-5660. LawHelp.org/al lists additional free legal resources by county.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Alabama?
- Most legal aid programs in Alabama require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person). Some programs accept higher incomes for specific case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Alabama?
- Yes. Legal Services Alabama offers expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. You can also check for periodic expungement clinics held in partnership with the state bar and local organizations.
- Does Alabama have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Alabama uses a county-based system — contact the court clerk in your county to request a public defender. Public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters like housing or family law.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Legal Services Alabama — Apply for Help
Statewide legal aid — apply online or call 1-866-456-4995 for free civil legal assistance.
- Alabama LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Alabama residents.
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service — initial consultations are low-cost.
- ABA Free Legal Answers — Alabama
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
Related Resources on This Site
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- Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Birmingham, AL
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Birmingham, AL
- ExpungementAlabama expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Alabama
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Alabama
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Alabama
- ProbationProbation & parole in Alabama
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Alabama
Helpful guides
- DUI RecoveryHow to find a DUI lawyer
- Safety & ProtectionLegal rights for DV survivors
- ToolsReentry Checklist — 30/60/90-day plan after release
- ProbationProbation violations — what happens?