*Going to court for a lawsuit or trial is one of the most stressful events you can face. But the purpose of an attorney is to represent you and present your case in the best possible way, which should ease your mind before going to court.
But what if you can’t afford an attorney? How can you get the legal help you need without the funding to do so? Each year, millions of Americans go through court without legal representation, putting them at a severe disadvantage.
Keep reading for some important tips on how to get a lawyer to represent you in court when you can’t afford one.
- Find a Pro Bono Attorney
Did you know that the American Bar Association recommends every lawyer to complete at least 50 hours of pro bono (free of charge) work per year? That means it’s entirely possible for you to shop around for an attorney looking to meet their minimum hours, allowing you to be represented free of charge.
Also, many attorneys will be happy to work pro bono for someone who has a strong case and is in desperate need of legal counsel. Make calls to local lawyers and give them the details of your case to see if they will take it on for free.
If they need to, an attorney can also look into legal funding for your case. Check out BalancedBridge.com for a guide on legal funding.
- Legal Clinics Can Help with Civil Cases
Legal clinics are non-profit organizations that are funded by grants and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). The LSC was formed by Congress as a way to provide affordable legal representation to low-income citizens.
Legal clinics are a great option for people who can’t afford to pay for an attorney, but they do have restrictions you should be aware of.
First off, they usually only take on civil cases, not criminal cases. Also, there is an income restriction, meaning if you make more than the listed income, you may not be eligible for their services.
- Visit a Law School
If all else fails, you can at least find legal counsel instead of representation. Try visiting a local law school and speak with aspiring lawyers.
Give them the details of your case and ask for their advice. Students are always looking for ways to gain experience as they go through law school, so most will be happy to work with you.
Take notes of what the students tell you, and utilize them when you represent yourself in court. It’s not the most ideal situation, but having some case counseling is better than going into court completely blind.
Can’t Afford an Attorney? You Have Options!
Just because you can’t afford an attorney, doesn’t mean you need to go through the court system representing yourself. There are several ways to receive legal representation, it just requires time and effort on your part.
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