Free Legal Aid in New York(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
New York's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Legal Aid Society (New York City) 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 New York through Legal Aid Society (New York City) (call 1-212-577-3300) or apply online at their website. The nation's oldest and largest legal aid organization. NYC also has Legal Services NYC. Upstate providers include the Legal Project (Albany) and Legal Assistance of Western NY. The New York 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.
New York Legal Aid Organization
Legal Aid Society (New York City)
Website: legalaidnyc.org
Phone: 1-212-577-3300
The nation's oldest and largest legal aid organization. NYC also has Legal Services NYC. Upstate providers include the Legal Project (Albany) and Legal Assistance of Western NY.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/new-york-- 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
The nation's oldest and largest legal aid organization — criminal, civil, and juvenile defense in NYC
Civil legal services across all five NYC boroughs
Reentry Legal Services
National expert in legal issues affecting people with criminal records, HIV/AIDS, and substance use disorders — based in NYC
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free record sealing assistance in NYC under New York's Clean Slate Act providing automatic sealing of certain convictions
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, reentry, and civil rights impact litigation
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorney services across New York State
Public Defender System
Mixed
NYC has the Legal Aid Society and other institutional providers. Outside NYC, counties use assigned counsel programs and public defender offices, overseen by the state Indigent Legal Services office.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Aid Society (New York City)
Call 1-212-577-3300 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 New York Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in New York?
- Contact Legal Aid Society (New York City) at 1-212-577-3300 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/new-york for a directory of free legal resources, or call the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-3661 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in New York?
- Most legal aid programs in New York 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 New York?
- Yes. Legal Aid Society — Record Sealing (CPL 160.59) provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does New York 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. NYC has the Legal Aid Society and other institutional providers. Outside NYC, counties use assigned counsel programs and public defender offices, overseen by the state Indigent Legal Services office. 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 Society (New York City) — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-212-577-3300 for free civil legal assistance.
- New York LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for New York residents.
- New York 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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