how can i find an attorney to represent me in a felony case pro bono

by Oren Mann 10 min read

Try these searches:

  • Pro Bono Resource Directory maintained by the American Bar Association. ...
  • Contact your local or state bar association (a professional organization dedicated to advancing the careers and education of their members). ...
  • Contact the organization or state agency that oversees lawyer licensing in your state. ...
  • Visit the local law school. ...
  • Call the local courthouse. ...
  • Contact your church or other house of worship. ...

You can look for pro bono programs in your area by visiting the attorney search page here on HG.org or by contacting your local bar association.

Full Answer

How do I find a lawyer to represent me pro bono?

The law firm may include information on the name of the attorney in charge of the firm's pro bono program or an email address to contact if you're interested in having one of the firm's attorneys represent you pro bono. Target younger attorneys who've just graduated from law school and passed the bar.

Are pro bono lawyers as good as legal aid lawyers?

More importantly, pro bono lawyers are rarely as efficient as professional legal aid attorneys, nor are they as competent to handle cutting-edge cases as their counterparts.

How do I find a free lawyer?

One of these ways is to find an attorney who is willing to volunteer her services to you pro bono or free of charge. Locate your nearest legal aid office. Search online to find the website of the legal aid office in your city or county. Legal aid websites also often has other free resources and information you can use as you plan your case.

What is the EOIR pro bono attorney list?

The EOIR pro bono attorney list provides contact information for both private attorneys and nonprofit organizations. Read the notes on this list carefully, because not all attorneys or organizations named are willing to take every type of case. Some limit their pro bono cases to a particular subject matter or clientele.

What is it called when you can't afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you. There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

How do you write a pro bono letter?

Your letter, whether on behalf of an individual or organization, should include general information, the type of legal assistance needed, the reason for seeking pro bono help, the temporal sensitivity of your case, and budget information to justify the free service.

How do you start a letter to a law firm?

Begin your traditional letter or email with "Dear Mr. ..." or "Dear Ms...", followed by the attorney's surname and a colon. For example, use "Dear Mr. Smith:" to address the attorney. If you write legal letters frequently, save this template to use in future correspondence.

How do I write a free legal aid application?

A person who requires free legal services can seek for the concerned authority or committee through an application which could either be sent in written form,or by filling up the forms formed by the said authorities stating in brief the cause for seeking legal aid or can be made orally in which case an officer of the ...

What is a pro bono lawyer?

A pro bono lawyer takes a case for free, and otherwise works for fee-paying clients.

Why do lawyers take cases pro bono?

These cases are taken "pro bono.". When a civil law firm takes a case pro bono, it does so generally for marketing reasons, wanting to burnish its reputation.

Why do civil law firms take pro bono cases?

When a civil law firm takes a case pro bono, it does so generally for marketing reasons, wanting to burnish its reputation. But it won't want to anger its paying clients, so it chooses "safe cases." More importantly, pro bono lawyers are rarely as efficient as professional legal aid attorneys, nor are they as competent to handle cutting-edge cases as their counterparts. On the other hand, if a civil firm that's well-stocked with associates, paralegals, and support staff decides to throw its resources behind a time-intensive case, the result can be impressive.

How to find out if a lawyer is licensed?

Contact the organization or state agency that oversees lawyer licensing in your state. Search for [Your state] lawyer licensing. The site might indicate which lawyers or firms offer pro bono representation.

How to find a lawyer for free?

Search for [Your state or city] bar association. You might find lawyers that list their willingness to take cases for free.

How to get legal assistance for a church?

Contact your church or other house of worship. Some religious organizations or local chapters or houses offer legal assistance to their congregants .

Do legal aid lawyers take bankruptcies?

Most offices handle only civil, not criminal cases; and most do not take bankruptcies, divorce cases, or personal injury cases. They typically represent both plaintiffs (people who sue someone else) and defendants (the people being sued). Legal aid lawyers are paid by grants and might receive some government funding.

How to contact Pro Bono?

Paper applications should be submitted to: For additional inquiries, please contact the Pro Bono List Administrator by phone at: 703-756-8020 or by email at [email protected].

What is pro bono legal services?

Pro Bono legal services are “those uncompensated legal services performed for indigent aliens or the public good without any expectation of either direct or indirect remuneration, including referral fees (other than filing fees or photocopying and mailing expenses).” 8 C.F.R. § 1003.61 (a) (2). The List is not to be used by organizations or attorneys for the purpose of solicitation for paid legal services.

How many hours of pro bono legal services are required for immigration court?

The List is provided to individuals in immigration proceedings and contains information on non-profit organizations and attorneys who have committed to providing at least 50 hours per year of pro bono legal services before the immigration court location where they appear on the List. The List also contains information on pro bono referral services that refer individuals in immigration court proceedings to pro bono counsel.

Does EOIR endorse attorneys?

EOIR does not endorse any of these organizations, referral services, or attorneys. In addition, EOIR does not participate in, nor is it responsible for, the representation decisions or performance of these organizations, referral services, or attorneys. Federal Register (amended 8 C.F.R § 1003.61 et seq .)

Why do law firms do pro bono work?

Some law firms use pro bono work as an opportunity for law students and beginning attorneys to get hands-on experience working with clients on a case.

How to find a volunteer attorney?

Search the internet. There are many networks such as probono.net that are dedicated to helping you find a volunteer attorney to assist you.

What to do if you don't qualify for legal aid?

If you don't qualify for assistance from legal aid, you might qualify for a state or local bar association program. Bar associations often have pro bono programs that offer assistance to people who meet other criteria, even if their income is too high for legal aid.

How to get legal help?

These hotlines may be free or may charge a small fee per minute that would be added to your phone bill.

How to get help in court?

Talk to the clerk at your local courthouse. The clerk may have information about other self-help programs, or may be able to connect you with a courthouse facilitator who can walk you through basic court procedures.

What is the American Bar Association directory?

Check the American Bar Association's directory. The ABA has a directory on its website that lists free and reduced-cost legal assistance programs in every state. [11]

How to find legal aid in your city?

1. Locate your nearest legal aid office. Search online to find the website of the legal aid office in your city or county. Legal aid websites also often has other free resources and information you can use as you plan your case.

How to find a pro bono lawyer – does your case qualify?

Find out what exactly pro bono services are and see if you can resolve your legal issues with the help of a volunteer lawyer. Learn how to find a pro bono lawyer.

What is a pro bono lawyer?

The basic idea is that an attorney offers free legal services to those who cannot pay for them. But it actually means far more than that. A pro bono attorney isn’t really any different from a regular attorney. They just offer their services for free or a discounted rate ...

Who qualifies for a pro bono lawyer?

Lawyers are provided for those who cannot afford them. This is where public defenders come in; they are given cases for indigent clients who need legal help.

How many hours of pro bono publico should a lawyer render per year?

A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year.

What is pro bono legal services?

2. Delivery of legal services at substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means; or. 3. Participation in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession. Essentially, using pro bono legal services is how to get a lawyer with no money. But not everyone qualifies for a pro bono attorney.

How many hours of pro bono do lawyers have?

Do lawyers have to provide pro bono legal services? Each licensed attorney is supposed to provide approximately 50 hours of pro bono legal work each year. This is not monitored by the American Bar Association. Rather, it is an ideal to which lawyers should aspire.

What is the cutoff for public defenders?

Pro bono assistance is available in civil justice instances for those who cannot afford legal representation — the typical cutoff is those whose income is less than 125% of the federal poverty level.

What to do if you are not sure if an attorney takes your case?

If you are not sure whether you fit into the specific category of client the attorney takes, you can contact the attorney to find out, but do not be discouraged if he or she is ultimately not able to take your case. Chances are, that attorney will be able to recommend an attorney who might be better suited to your case. If not, you can try another attorney or organization on the list.

What is an EOIR pro bono attorney?

The EOIR pro bono attorney list provides contact information for both private attorneys and nonprofit organizations. Read the notes on this list carefully, because not all attorneys or organizations named are willing to take every type of case. Some limit their pro bono cases to a particular subject matter or clientele. For example, some pro bono attorneys will not represent a client seeking asylum, while others might take only clients who are seeking asylum.

What can an immigration attorney do?

An experienced immigration attorney will be able to review the allegations against you and identify forms of relief you might be eligible for .

What to do if you are not an attorney at a court hearing?

If you find yourself at your first court hearing without an attorney, the Immigration Judge (IJ) should provide you with a copy. If a copy is not in the courtroom, do not be shy about respectfully asking the IJ or the judge's assistant where to get one.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Is it important to get legal advice on immigration?

Therefore, receiving competent legal advice from a licensed attorney can be important during every step of the immigration process. This is especially true in removal proceedings, when you are not only navigating the immigration laws but dealing with formal courtroom procedures and an opposing attorney.

Do I Need an Immigration Attorney in Removal Proceedings?

Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is hugely important if you are facing removal from the United States. Even though you might not be a U.S. citizen, you still have a right to defend your right to remain in the United States.