The need for free civil legal assistance is both profound and widespread. The latest statistics show that only 92% of low-income individual received legal help for their civil problems. Nearly three-quarters of low-income households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the preceding year, and 46% of those who did not seek legal help cited cost as the main reason. These numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent families struggling to remain in their homes, parents navigating custody disputes, survivors seeking protection from abuse, seniors trying to preserve their independence, veterans pursuing benefits, and individuals facing debt, fraud, or other serious legal challenges.
In civil matters, a person’s ability to obtain a lawyer can profoundly affect the outcome of a case. Yet many people cannot afford representation precisely when they need it most. A person facing eviction, foreclosure, a guardianship proceeding, or a domestic violence matter may be confronting a life-altering decision without the legal knowledge or resources to protect their rights.
The consequences extend beyond the courtroom. Unresolved legal problems can threaten housing stability, financial security, family relationships, personal safety, and overall well-being.
Pro bono attorneys help program bridge the divide by expanding our legal representation to countless additional people with nowhere else to turn for assistance.