Free Legal Clinics at Law Schools: How They Work

Many law schools in the United States run legal clinics. These programs give law students hands-on experience while helping members of the public with legal problems. Clinics often focus on specific areas, such as housing, family matters, immigration, consumer issues, or benefits. For people who cannot afford a private lawyer, a clinic can be a useful place to start. This guide explains how these programs generally work and what to expect if you contact one.

This is general information. Each clinic sets its own rules, so check directly with the program.

What a law school clinic is

A law school clinic is a program run by a law school, usually as part of the training that students complete before graduating. Students may interview clients, research the law, draft documents, and appear in certain courts or administrative hearings. The work is supervised by licensed attorneys who are faculty members or practicing lawyers working with the school. Supervision is a key part of how clinics operate, and the supervising attorney is responsible for the advice given.

Clinics differ from a general legal aid office in one important way. Their staff is made up largely of students, and their capacity depends on the school calendar. A clinic may pause during breaks or summer, and its intake periods may be limited.

What kinds of cases they take

Clinics usually focus on particular types of problems. Common areas include tenant rights, small consumer disputes, expungement or record sealing, family law, public benefits, veterans' issues, immigration, employment, and tax help for low-income taxpayers. Some clinics serve a specific community, such as seniors, veterans, small business owners, or residents of a particular neighborhood.

Because each clinic has a focus, ask early whether your problem fits. A clinic that handles housing may not take a family law matter, even if both are important to you.

Who is eligible

Most clinics serve people with limited incomes, but eligibility rules vary. Some programs ask about household size and income. Others focus on the type of case or the location of the problem. A few may have limits on the amount in dispute or may decline cases that are outside their scope. Expect to answer some intake questions, and be honest about your situation. The information helps the clinic decide whether it can help.

How to contact a clinic

Start with the law school's website. Most schools list their clinics under a section called clinical programs, experiential learning, or public service. Look for intake instructions, contact details, and hours. Some clinics accept calls, some use an online form, and some hold walk-in or scheduled intake sessions.

If you cannot find the information, call the school's main number and ask for the clinical program office. Staff members can tell you which clinics are active and whether they are accepting new matters. Keep notes of each contact, including the name of the person you spoke with and the date.

What to expect at intake

Intake is the process of deciding whether a clinic can take your case. You may be asked to describe the problem, provide documents, and explain the deadlines that apply. Bring any notices, court papers, leases, contracts, or letters you have received. Clear documents make it easier for the clinic to understand the situation quickly.

Intake does not always lead to representation. A clinic may give you general information, refer you to another resource, or explain how you can handle a simple step on your own. If your case is accepted, the clinic will explain the scope of its work, what it will and will not do, and how you can stay in touch.

Limits to keep in mind

Clinics are educational programs, so there are practical limits. Students need time to learn, and cases can move more slowly than they would with a full-time office. Clinics may only handle certain stages of a case, such as the initial advice, a particular hearing, or a single document. They are not always able to represent you for the entire matter.

Also keep in mind that a clinic's advice is tied to the law in the state where it operates. A school in one state may not be able to help with a problem that arises in another state.

Why deadlines still matter

Even when a clinic is available, deadlines do not pause. If you have received a notice with a response date, or if you believe a claim or filing may be time-sensitive, contact the clinic immediately and ask whether it can assist within the timeframe. If the clinic cannot take your matter, ask the staff whether there is another program that could help before the deadline.

Alternatives if the clinic cannot help

If a clinic cannot take your case, other free or low-cost options may be available. Legal aid organizations serve eligible people with a wide range of civil problems. The Legal Services Corporation directory lets you search for civil legal aid programs by location. The USAGov legal aid page also lists general sources of help. Your local or state bar association may run a lawyer referral service, which can connect you with an attorney for a short initial consultation at a set fee.

Some courts have self-help centers that provide forms and general information. These centers cannot give legal advice, but they can explain how the court process works.

Questions to ask a clinic

• Does my type of problem fit within the clinic's areas of work?
• What are the eligibility rules, and what documents do I need to bring?
• Who will supervise my case, and who will be my contact?
• What stage of my case will the clinic handle?
• How long does intake usually take, and what are the next steps?
• Is there a deadline I should know about right away?

Frequently asked questions

Are the students licensed attorneys?

Students are not licensed attorneys, but in some clinics they may practice under the supervision of licensed lawyers and under rules that the state or court allows. Ask the clinic how supervision works.

Is there any cost for the service?

Many clinics do not charge for their services, but some may ask for certain costs, such as filing fees or copies. Ask about costs at intake so you are not surprised later.

Can I get a clinic to represent me in court?

Some clinics do appear in court or in administrative hearings, depending on the program and the type of case. Ask whether representation is available for your matter.

How do I find out if a clinic is near me?

Search the websites of law schools in your state, or ask the state bar or a local legal aid office for a list of clinical programs.

Related: Browse guides on legal topics and lawyers in Los Angeles.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.