Legal Aid
Free or low-cost legal services provided to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, often through nonprofit organizations or government programs.
Encyclopedia entry: Legal Aid
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Got it!
legal aid
Legal aid refers to professional legal services available to those who cannot afford them. Broadly speaking, the term encompasses public and charitable means of providing services to economically disadvantaged individuals who require an attorney . In its narrowest sense, legal aid refers to charitable assistance provided by lawyers who work for a non-profit , private , or partially government-funded entity such as the Legal Aid Society in New York. The term “legal aid” may be used less technically to include counsel by a public defender , legal assistance from pro bono attorneys, legal resource centers, law school clinics, and minimally compensated court-appointed counsel from the bar .
[Last reviewed in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
Wex
Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
Related terms
More legal terms starting with L
Looking for citation help? How to cite law · Citation methodology
See also: Full glossary index
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.