Pro Bono Lawyers and Attorneys in District of Columbia
Where to ask for pro bono legal services or a free attorney in District of Columbia, including legal aid programs, who qualifies, and other free or low-cost help. We do not recommend or rank lawyers.
Where to ask for a free lawyer or attorney
| Pro bono and legal aid programs | The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, an independent nonprofit, provides free legal assistance to individuals, nonprofits and small businesses through volunteer lawyers. Programs for individuals include the Advice & Referral Clinic, Bankruptcy Clinic, Consumer Law Resource Center, Family Law Assistance Network, Housing Legal Assistance, Immigration Legal Advice & Referral Clinic, Legal Information Help Line, and Future Planning & Probate Program. About the Center: https://dcbar.org/pro-bono |
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| Cases covered | The Advice & Referral Clinic covers civil legal problems under D.C. or federal law, including bankruptcy, debt collection, civil rights, consumer, employment, family, health, housing, personal injury and property damage, probate, public benefits and tax. Criminal record sealing consultations are offered on select dates. "Volunteers do not appear in court or take on extended representation unless they choose to." |
Other free or low-cost help
| Does the bar's referral service find free lawyers? | The D.C. Bar's referral service, MyDCLawyer, says there is "no charge to anyone seeking attorney referrals." Asked whether its lawyers provide free or reduced-rate services, it answers: "No. Contact the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center if you are seeking pro bono legal assistance." |
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| Free legal aid | Neighborhood Legal Services Program of the District of Columbia is the LSC-funded legal aid organization for D.C. and provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents. The D.C. Bar also directs people seeking free (pro bono) help to the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. |
| Lawyer referral service | The D.C. Bar's Lawyer Referral Service, MyDCLawyer (mydclawyer.org), lets you describe your legal situation online; an AI-based matching system then lists up to five participating attorneys whose profiles match your issue. Leave out names, contact details, financial information, Social Security numbers and dates of birth. "There is no charge to anyone seeking attorney referrals through MyDCLawyer"; referrals are not free legal services, and attorneys' own fees are not stated. D.C. Bar phone: 202-737-4700. |
All legal help in District of Columbia · What is a pro bono lawyer? · Pro bono lawyers in other states
Last verified against official sources: November 4, 2026.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.