Statewide Legal Aid Organizations
- Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS)
- Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents (housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights).
- Website: rils.org
- Phone: 1-401-274-2652 (Providence) | 1-800-662-5034 (Statewide Hotline)
- Services: Statewide coverage with offices in Providence, Pawtucket, and Warwick.
- Rhode Island Center for Justice
- Focuses on systemic advocacy for marginalized communities (housing, immigration, workers’ rights).
- Website: centerforjustice.org
- Phone: 1-401-491-1101
- Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Low-cost consultations with attorneys.
- Website: ribar.com/public/lawyer-referral
- Phone: 1-401-421-7799
Specialized Legal Assistance
- Disability Rights Rhode Island (DRRI)
- Advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
- Website: drri.org
- Phone: 1-401-831-3150
- Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)
- Legal support for domestic violence survivors.
- Website: ricadv.org
- 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-494-8100
- Office of the Public Defender (Criminal Cases)
- Free legal representation for low-income individuals in criminal cases.
- Website: opd.ri.gov
- Phone: 1-401-222-3492
- Rhode Island Senior Legal Assistance Program
- Free legal help for residents 60+ (elder abuse, Medicare, housing).
- Website: rils.org/seniors
- Phone: 1-401-274-2652
- Catholic Social Services of Rhode Island – Immigration Legal Services
- Low-cost immigration legal help (citizenship, DACA, family petitions).
- Website: dioceseofprovidence.org/immigration-services
- Phone: 1-401-421-7833
Hotlines
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-494-8100 (RICADV).
- Tenant Rights Hotline: 1-401-274-2652 (RILS Housing Unit).
- Senior Legal Helpline: 1-401-462-3000 (Age-Friendly Rhode Island).
- Disability Rights Hotline: 1-401-831-3150 (DRRI).
Self-Help and Referral Tools
- Rhode Island Judiciary Self-Help Center
- Free forms, guides, and resources for self-representation.
- Website: courts.ri.gov/selfhelp
- LawHelpRI
- Legal information and referrals.
- Website: lawhelpri.org
- Rhode Island Free Legal Answers
- Free virtual legal advice for qualifying residents.
- Website: ri.freelegalanswers.org
Pro Bono Programs
- Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC)
- Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys.
- Website: probono-collab.org
- Phone: 1-401-400-0153
- Volunteer Lawyers Program (Rhode Island Legal Services)
- Free legal clinics and pro bono services.
- Website: rils.org/volunteer
Law School Clinics
- Roger Williams University School of Law Clinics
- Free legal services in immigration, criminal defense, and veterans’ rights.
- Website: law.rwu.edu/clinics
- Phone: 1-401-254-4500
Native American Legal Resources
- Narragansett Indian Tribe Legal Department
- Legal support for tribal members.
- Website: narragansettindiannation.org
- Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
- National advocacy for Indigenous communities.
- Website: narf.org
Key Notes
- Eligibility: Most programs prioritize low-income residents (under 200% of the federal poverty level).
- Apply Online: Rhode Island Legal Services offers an online intake form: rils.org/get-help.
- Urgent Issues: For emergencies (evictions, domestic violence), contact hotlines directly.
- Tribal Members: Contact the Narragansett Indian Tribe or NARF for advocacy.