Free Legal Aid in Louisiana(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Louisiana's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services 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 Louisiana through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (call 1-504-529-1000) or apply online at their website. Louisiana legal aid is provided regionally. SLLS serves southeast Louisiana including New Orleans; Acadiana Legal Service Corporation serves central and northern Louisiana. The Louisiana State 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.
Louisiana Legal Aid Organization
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Website: slls.org
Phone: 1-504-529-1000
Louisiana legal aid is provided regionally. SLLS serves southeast Louisiana including New Orleans; Acadiana Legal Service Corporation serves central and northern Louisiana.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Louisiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/louisiana-- 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
Civil legal services in southeast Louisiana including New Orleans
Legal services in central and northern Louisiana
Reentry Legal Services
Juvenile reentry and expungement services in Louisiana
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement help in southeast Louisiana under Louisiana's expanded automatic expungement eligibility
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, juvenile justice, and post-conviction
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorney services across Louisiana
Public Defender System
Mixed
Louisiana has a Louisiana Public Defender Board that oversees district public defender offices, but funding and quality vary significantly by parish.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Call 1-504-529-1000 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 Louisiana Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Louisiana?
- Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at 1-504-529-1000 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/louisiana for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Louisiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-421-5722 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Louisiana?
- Most legal aid programs in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
- Yes. SLLS — Expungement Assistance provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Louisiana 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. Louisiana has a Louisiana Public Defender Board that oversees district public defender offices, but funding and quality vary significantly by parish. 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
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-504-529-1000 for free civil legal assistance.
- Louisiana LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Louisiana residents.
- Louisiana State 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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