Free Legal Aid in Massachusetts(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Massachusetts's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Greater Boston 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 Massachusetts through Greater Boston Legal Services (call 1-617-371-1234) or apply online at their website. Massachusetts has extensive legal aid through GBLS in Boston and other regional providers. MassLegalHelp.org is a comprehensive self-help portal. The Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Legal Aid Organization
Greater Boston Legal Services
Website: gbls.org
Phone: 1-617-371-1234
Massachusetts has extensive legal aid through GBLS in Boston and other regional providers. MassLegalHelp.org is a comprehensive self-help portal.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/massachusetts-- 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
Free civil legal services in the Greater Boston area
Comprehensive self-help legal information for Massachusetts residents
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) sealing, expungement, and employment barriers
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free CORI record sealing for eligible individuals — recent reforms expanded sealing eligibility
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, wrongful convictions, and post-conviction
Pro Bono Programs
Funds legal aid and pro bono programs across Massachusetts
Public Defender System
Statewide
Massachusetts has the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) that provides public defender services through staff attorneys and private assigned counsel.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Greater Boston Legal Services
Call 1-617-371-1234 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 Massachusetts Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Massachusetts?
- Contact Greater Boston Legal Services at 1-617-371-1234 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/massachusetts for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-617-654-0400 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Massachusetts?
- Most legal aid programs in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
- Yes. GBLS — CORI Sealing Project provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts has the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) that provides public defender services through staff attorneys and private assigned counsel. 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
- Greater Boston Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-617-371-1234 for free civil legal assistance.
- Massachusetts LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Massachusetts residents.
- Massachusetts 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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Helpful guides
- Safety & ProtectionLegal rights for DV survivors
- ToolsReentry Checklist — 30/60/90-day plan after release
- ProbationMisdemeanor probation guide
- TransportationDUI vs. DWI vs. OWI — what's the difference?