How to Seek Free Legal Advice in New York City

There is no end to the law firm ads that claim to offer "free legal counsel," especially in New York City. Unfortunately, when you read the fine print, there's usually an expensive catch. There is such a thing, however, as truly free legal advice in New York City. If you do a little research, you too can have all of your questions answered pro bono.

Instructions

1. Go to the New York City Bar Association's free Monday night clinic. The Bar Association of New York City holds free clinics every Monday night, from October through July, by appointment. Call ahead to register, and you will be scheduled for a half hour session with a New York State attorney to discuss whatever subject you need help with. There is absolutely no fee, and you can visit as many times as you like. The hotline number is [phone], or you can look at the link provided below to the Bar Association's website.

2. Go to the New York State Bar Association's free clinic for seniors. The New York State Bar Association has a clinic, held sporadically throughout the year, specifically for senior citizens that need legal advice, but can't afford it. The clinic is also held at the New York City Bar Association. The contact number to find the next upcoming senior clinic is [phone].

3. Contact your local law school. Both Hunter and Columbia law schools have outreach programs that vary in the types of community service they provide. Some of the programs are administered directly through the schools themselves, and others have separate entities that you can obtain information about from the law schools. Columbia law school's contact number for further information is [phone], and Hunter's number is [phone].

4. Consult by phone. Many smaller law firms will take the time to answer at least some basic questions over the phone. If the legal advice you need is basic, this might be your best course of action. Your best bet is to call toward the end of the workweek, when schedules are less busy. Also, during the summer, there is more likely to be less work, more interns and, therefore, more of a chance for you to get someone on the phone that is willing to dispense some free basic legal advice.

Resources

• This link provides information to the New York City Bar Association's Monday night clinics.