Legal Aid & Pro Bono – Civil Cases

Civil Legal Aid (Not Criminal Cases)

• MidPenn Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal help to people who qualify based on their income level. MidPenn focuses on many issues, including: domestic violence, welfare, consumer issues, elder law, housing, Social Security/disability, healthcare, education, custody, divorce, and more. Clients include children, senior citizens, homeless persons, victims of abuse, and people with disabilities.  Client Intake Unit: 1-800-326-9177 
• The Domestic Violence Legal Clinic helps people obtain Protection from Abuse Orders and consultations regarding issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal and child support. Clinic hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 717-291-5826. If you need immediate assistance, you may call the 24-hour national domestic violence hotline: 800-799-7233. (800-799-SAFE) 

*Please note that the Lancaster Bar Association does not offer any free or reduced price legal services. If you are interested in hiring an attorney, we offer a Lawyer Referral Service. 

Legal Aid – Criminal Cases

Criminal Legal Aid – Public Defenders

• If you face criminal charges in Lancaster County and you can’t afford a lawyer, contact the Office of the Public Defender. Phone: 717-299-8131
• If you face federal charges for a crime that allegedly happened in Lancaster County, and you can’t afford a lawyer, contact the Federal Community Defender Office in Philadelphia. Phone: 215-928-1100.  For alleged federal crimes in Dauphin and York Counties, contact the Federal Defender’s Office in Harrisburg.  Phone: 717-782-2237.

Self-Help Resources

Local Resources 

Lancaster County Courthouse Self-Help Center – The Self-Help Center is on the 1st floor of the Lancaster County Courthouse.  Self-help Center staff can give you information but not legal advice.  You can also get printed self-help packets and legal forms there for a small fee.  The packets/forms are free if you download them online.

Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program – The Lancaster County Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program is a collaborative effort between both public and private sector entities to address the increasing number of property foreclosures in Lancaster County. The primary objective of the Program is to provide a streamlined, unified process for the amicable resolution of mortgage foreclosure proceedings through court intervention, housing counseling, and conciliation conferences to help residents of Lancaster County stay in their homes. Click here to visit the Lancaster County Courthouse website for more information.

Statewide Resources

 PALawHelp Website – this website has legal info and resources on many different issues, including custody and family law, housing, consumer debt, veterans and public benefits, and more.

National Resources

Self-Represented Litigation Network (SRLN) – this website is mainly for lawyers and other people who help self-represented litigants by making the justice system more understandable.