Idaho Legal Aid Services acts as general counsel to the poor in our state. We are committed to searching out the patterns, causes and solutions of the repetitive and fundamental legal problems facing our client community, and seeking legal recourse necessary to redress the grievances of our clients.

Pro Bono organizations pair people with lawyers who volunteer their services for free.

Pro Se organizations/clinics help people represent themselves.

Civil Service organizations represent people in cases which are not criminal in nature--such as landlord/tenant issues, used car issues, domestic relations, public benefits, etc. Criminal Service organizations represent people in cases which are criminal.

Legal Services Programs serve low-income residents with cases including but not limited to:

Legal Services/Legal Aid programs provide service in civil cases while the public defender program provides defense counsel in criminal matters.

Generally, service is limited to individuals or groups of individuals whose income is 125% or less of the federal poverty level. In limited circumstances eligibility can extend to persons with incomes up to 200% of the poverty guideline. In addition, seniors (those 60 and older) in any income bracket can request informational and self-help materials.

You can call or write the Legal Aid office in your area or you can call the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program toll free at 1-800-221-3295. After explaining your problem, either organization will help you decide whether your case is appropriate for the assistance of an attorney

If you discover that you need a lawyer, you may contact one of the above organizations to find out if you qualify for their services. If you do, they will appoint an attorney to work with you.

If you do not qualify for help from a legal services program, or they cannot represent you, they may still be able to refer you to a competent private attorney. If they cannot, you can contact the Idaho Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at (208) 334-4500. In addition, the yellow pages and business section of the phone book list numerous attorneys.

Whenever you have been served with a court document such as a summons and complaint or a court order of any kind, you should consult an attorney immediately. In addition, if you have questions about your legal rights or status, the best policy is to consult an attorney sooner rather than later. Doing so will give you the best chance to protect or enforce your rights

Unfortunately, our organization is minimally staffed. In order to save time and work more efficiently, an interview process must be completed to determine whether or not you are eligible for our services. In this way, the attorney’s on staff can devote their time to those who qualify for service, rather than non-qualified clients wishing to receive free legal advice.

In addition to this web site, you can call or write the Legal Aid office in your area, or stop by your local Idaho Legal Aid office in person and ask for brochures and other informational materials.

Contact your nearest Idaho Legal Aid Services Office. Or, you can click on the webmaster email link at the very bottom of the page.