Statewide Legal Aid Organizations
- Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
- Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents (housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights).
- Website: lsnj.org
- Phone: 1-888-576-5529 (Statewide Hotline)
- Regional Offices:
- Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (Bergen, Hudson, Passaic): northeastls.org
- South Jersey Legal Services (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester): sjls.org
- Essex-Newark Legal Services: enls.org
- Central Jersey Legal Services (Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset): cjls.org
- New Jersey State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Low-cost consultations with attorneys.
- Website: njsba.com/lawyer-referral
- Phone: 1-800-962-8303
Specialized Legal Assistance
- Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ)
- Advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
- Website: drnj.org
- Phone: 1-800-922-7233
- New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
- Legal support for survivors of domestic violence.
- Website: njcedv.org
- Phone: 1-800-572-SAFE (1-800-572-7233)
- Veterans Legal Services Initiative
- Free legal help for veterans.
- Website: njveteranslegal.org
- Phone: 1-855-838-0405
- Legal Services of New Jersey – Senior Citizens Program
- Assistance for residents 60+ (elder abuse, Medicare, housing).
- Website: lsnj.org/seniors
- Phone: 1-888-576-5529
- American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Immigration Program
- Legal services for immigrants (DACA, asylum, family petitions).
- Website: afsc.org/office/newark-nj
- Phone: 1-973-643-1924
Hotlines
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (1-800-572-7233)
- Tenant Rights Hotline: 1-877-516-0110 (Legal Services of New Jersey).
- Senior Legal Helpline: 1-888-576-5529 (LSNJ Senior Citizens Program).
- Child Welfare Legal Assistance: Contact Office of the Child Advocate: nj.gov/childadvocate | 1-877-543-7864
Self-Help and Referral Tools
- New Jersey Courts Self-Help Center
- Free forms, guides, and resources for self-representation.
- Website: njcourts.gov/self-help
- LawHelp NJ
- Legal information, referrals, and DIY guides.
- Website: lawhelpnj.org
- Essex County Legal Aid Association
- Free legal clinics and referrals in Essex County.
- Website: eclaanj.org
Pro Bono Programs
- Pro Bono Partnership
- Free legal services for nonprofits and low-income individuals.
- Website: probonopartner.org
- Phone: 1-973-240-6955
- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
- Pro bono assistance for housing, bankruptcy, and expungement.
- Website: vljnj.org
- Phone: 1-973-645-1955
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) NJ Chapter
- Pro bono immigration legal help.
- Website: ailanj.org
Law School Clinics
- Rutgers Law School Clinics (Newark and Camden)
- Services in immigration, housing, and education law.
- Website: law.rutgers.edu/clinics
- Seton Hall University School of Law Clinics
- Focus on civil rights, family law, and veterans’ rights.
- Website: law.shu.edu/clinics
Native American Legal Resources
- Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
- State-recognized tribe in New Jersey. Contact for local resources.
- Website: nanticoke-lenape.info
- Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
- National advocacy for tribal communities.
- Website: narf.org
Key Notes
- Eligibility: Most programs prioritize low-income residents (under 200% of the federal poverty level).
- Apply Online: Legal Services of New Jersey offers an online intake form: lsnj.org/get-help.
- Urgent Issues: For emergencies (evictions, domestic violence), contact hotlines or visit courthouse self-help centers.
- Tribal Members: Contact the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation or NARF for advocacy.