No Fee or Reduced Fee Counsel

There are some situations in which it is possible to be represented by an attorney for free or a reduced fee.

If you can’t afford to hire an attorney you may qualify for some form of legal aid. Legal aid is provided for people with low incomes in several types of matters, including consumer credit, denial of certain types of government benefits, and eviction.  In all criminal cases, an attorney will be appointed for you if you cannot afford to hire an attorney.

If you have been injured and decide to sue, you may be able to hire an attorney to represent you on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will pay attorney’s fees, typically a percentage of the recovered amount, only if the attorney recovers money for you. The costs and fees of a case will be paid by you if you lose, and are usually ordered to be paid by the losing party if you win.

If you are covered by insurance for the matter in which you are suing or being sued, you may be represented by an attorney for the insurance company at no additional charge other than what you have paid in insurance premiums.

If your claim involves an important public policy or social justice issue, you may be able to obtain representation pro bono (for free or a reduced fee) from an attorney with an interest in the issue. These types of issues include various types of discrimination, sexual harassment in an employment situation, freedom of speed or religion, and environmental problems.