If you have a court case, you probably want legal help. In some kinds of cases, the judge assigns you a lawyer or you can ask them for one. For most other cases, you need to find your own lawyer. Even if you can't get a lawyer to take your case, you might find other legal help, such as information about the laws, guidance from court employees, a hotline or a legal volunteer, and more.
Important things to know:
- This guide is for civil cases (cases about money, housing, family matters, and more). It is not for criminal or immigration cases.
- Start looking for help early. Many legal services have long waiting lists, and getting a lawyer or other help takes time. If you wait too long, it will be too late for someone to help you.
Getting help from a lawyer
There are different ways to get help from a lawyer or legal expert. Some lawyers can represent you (handle your whole case), while others might just give you advice or help with part of your case. Some services are free, and others cost money.
For all New Yorkers:
- Find a free lawyer. Search for a nonprofit organization that takes your kind of case. Nonprofits do not have enough lawyers to help everyone. If they cannot take your case, ask them to explain why and whether it is likely another nonprofit can help. This can save you time in your search.
- Find a private lawyer. You have to pay for a private lawyer. Ask your friends for recommendations. Get a written agreement of everything the lawyer will do. Learn how to choose and work with a lawyer.
- Get a low-cost, short meeting with a lawyer. The New York State Bar Association has a referral service. You pay $35 for the first half hour of meeting with a lawyer. The lawyer might want you to hire them, but you do not have to agree.
- Find a legal workshop or volunteer event. Follow nonprofit legal organizations near you on social media and look for flyers or ask a librarian at your library. Check postings for events that help people understand the law, fill out forms, get started on a case, and more.
- Try Free Legal Answers. Send a legal question to their website. They send you an email when a volunteer lawyer answers your question.
- Learn about alternatives to court. Ask the judge about mediation and arbitration. Mediators and arbitrators are not judges. They are trained to resolve conflicts. Some are free, others cost money. Not all cases can be mediated or arbitrated. If you don't have a lawyer, these alternatives may be easier.
If you live in New York City:
- For city residents with low-paying employers, the City Bar Association has $35 legal consultations online or in-person (on Monday nights). If you need more help, they can refer you to private lawyers too.
- Check the NYC Courts webpage on legal help in New York City.
- In a NYC eviction case, you might qualify for free representation if you also have a low-paying employer.
Legal help to represent yourself
At some point, you have to go ahead with your case, even if you still have questions or hope for a lawyer. More than half of all people in civil court represent themselves. You can represent yourself too.
You can:
- Use a hotline or the LawHelpNY online chat to get started. Ask for information about your kind of case.
- Ask a law librarian. You can call, email, or online chat with a law librarian, who will help you find information.
- Use this website. Look up articles about your kind of case. Start with the Topics page to search the site. If you search online for more information, use websites that end with ".org" or ".gov" and have updated materials. These are more reliable sources. Do not waste your time on information that is hard to read or understand.
- Find a court or community help center. Volunteers and free lawyers can give you helpful information. New York City also has walk-in help centers. You don't need an appointment to walk-in, but you have to wait your turn.
- Go to the court website. Find articles about your kind of case.
- Ask the judge and court employees for help. Ask questions to understand the process, paperwork, and deadlines. Tell them that you can not find or afford a lawyer.
- Use self-help forms. When you understand your case and what to do next, check for free online tools that help you fill out a court form or other application.
Remember:
- Start looking for help as soon as possible
- Keep copies of all your court papers
- Write down all important dates and information
- Ask questions if you don't understand something
Last Reviewed: February 21, 2025