Pro Bono Lawyers and Attorneys in Maryland
Where to ask for pro bono legal services or a free attorney in Maryland, 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 Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, "the pro bono arm of the Maryland State Bar Association," supports free civil legal help by volunteers across the state and runs free clinics in courthouses and communities; office 410.837.9379 (appointment needed to visit). It does not give general legal advice or referrals to individual attorneys, but offers direct services for tenants and consumers, homeowners and immigrants. It lists the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, which offers free representation in civil matters: apply online or call 410-547-6537 (Baltimore metro area) or 800-510-0050, Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. MVLS serves every county except Montgomery, Prince George's, Allegany, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Dorchester, Kent and Caroline, which have local pro bono agencies. MVLS: https://mvlslaw.org/free-legal-help/eligibility/ |
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| Who qualifies | Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service: gross household income "may not exceed 50% of the Maryland median income," and assets are also considered. Its general annual limits for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 are $41,129 for 1 person, $53,784 for 2, $66,439 for 3, $79,094 for 4, $91,748 for 5 and $104,403 for 6. Some matters (estate planning and administration, mortgage foreclosure and tax sale, special education, tax) have higher thresholds. Clients must also meet case type and geographic guidelines. The Pro Bono Resource Center says "all PBRC's legal clinics in Baltimore City are available regardless of income." PBRC: https://probonomd.org/for-legal-help/ |
| Cases covered | Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service takes civil matters for eligible clients; family law matters are accepted only through phone intake, and it handles some specialized matters, including IRS tax disputes, even in the counties it otherwise does not serve. The Pro Bono Resource Center helps with eviction and debt cases, including day-of-court clinics; estate planning documents, tax sale, foreclosure and deed issues for homeowners; and certain immigration cases. PBRC: https://probonomd.org/for-legal-help/ |
Other free or low-cost help
| If you earn too much for free help | Civil Justice, Inc. offers "Reduced-fee referrals for people who do not qualify for free legal help"; phone 443-853-1011, listed by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland. The page states no income limit or fee. Civil Justice, Inc.: https://civiljusticeinc.org/ |
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| Free legal questions online | Maryland Free Legal Answers lets you ask a lawyer a question online, as listed by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland. Service: https://maryland.freelegalanswers.org |
| Free legal aid | The Maryland Court Help Center, run by the Maryland Judiciary, offers "Free legal help with your civil matter" by phone at 410-260-1392, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Maryland Legal Aid, the state's LSC-funded legal aid organization, provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income Marylanders. LSC grantee list: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/our-grantees |
| Lawyer referral service | The Maryland State Bar Association does not make referrals itself; it says "Your county's bar association can help you find a lawyer in your area" and lists county bar numbers, including Anne Arundel (410) 222-6859, Baltimore City (410) 539-3112, Baltimore County, Carroll and Frederick (410) 337-9100, Harford (410) 836-0123, Howard (410) 313-3853, Montgomery (301) 279-9100, and Prince George's and Charles (301) 952-1440. Fees are set by each county service. |
All legal help in Maryland · 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.