Free Legal Aid in Arkansas(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Arkansas's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Legal Aid of Arkansas and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Arkansas through Legal Aid of Arkansas (call 1-800-952-9243) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income Arkansans covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer protection. The Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
Arkansas Legal Aid Organization
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Website: arlegalaid.org
Phone: 1-800-952-9243
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Arkansans covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer protection.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/arkansas-- 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 like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
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
Free legal help for low-income residents in central and southern Arkansas
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with record sealing, driver license restoration, and reentry barriers
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Periodic free expungement clinics for eligible individuals across Arkansas
Law School Clinics
Civil litigation, mediation, and family law
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates pro bono services and access to justice initiatives
Public Defender System
Statewide
Arkansas has a statewide Public Defender Commission that oversees public defender services across the state.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Aid of Arkansas
Call 1-800-952-9243 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 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 a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other 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 Arkansas Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Arkansas?
- Contact Legal Aid of Arkansas at 1-800-952-9243 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/arkansas for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-501-375-4606 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Arkansas?
- Most legal aid programs in Arkansas require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Arkansas?
- Yes. Legal Aid of Arkansas Expungement Clinics provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Arkansas 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. Arkansas has a statewide Public Defender Commission that oversees public defender services across the state. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Legal Aid of Arkansas — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-800-952-9243 for free civil legal assistance.
- Arkansas LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Arkansas residents.
- Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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