Home / Affordable Legal Help

AFFORDABLE LEGAL HELP

When Legal Help Is Out of Reach

If you are dealing with a legal problem but cannot afford traditional attorney fees, you are not alone. Many people fall into a difficult space: they earn too much to qualify for free legal services but cannot comfortably afford private legal representation.

This is often called the justice gap.

  • 3 out of 4 low-income Americans experienced at least one civil legal problem in the past year.
  • 40% had five or more legal issues.
  • 92% received inadequate or no legal help.

Exploring Your Legal Options

Legal Aid

  • Serves households under 200% of the poverty level
  • Free or low-cost legal services
  • Limited resources, so not every case can be accepted
  • Cases are reviewed individually

Modest Means

  • Earn too much to qualify for Legal Aid
  • Cannot afford traditional firm rates
  • May need reduced-fee or flexible legal options
  • Often left in the justice gap without resources to help
  • Typically charge $150-$500 per hour
  • May require upfront retainers
  • May handle complex or high-stakes matters
  • Provide full legal representation
  • Many people fall between free legal help and market-rate legal services.
  • Costs can prevent meaningful access to justice.
  • Critical issues involving housing, family, employment, and finances often go unresolved.
  • People should not have to face important legal problems alone simply because affordable help is difficult to find.

Finding the Right Lawyer

The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service can help connect you with an attorney based on your legal issue and situation.

  • Find a lawyer who handles your type of legal matter
  • Learn more about your options
  • Take the next step toward getting legal help