Ohio
Ohio is served by 5 legal aid organizations funded by the Legal Services Corporation. They handle civil matters only — housing, family, public benefits and consumer debt — and generally serve households at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $19,563 a year for one person and $40,188 for a family of four in 2025. Community Legal Aid Services, Inc., (330) 535-4191; Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, (513) 241-9400; Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, (614) 737-0146; Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc., (419) 724-0030, and 1 more.
Free legal aid
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Free legal aid
Community Legal Aid Services, Inc.
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Free legal aid
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
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Free legal aid
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc.
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Free legal aid
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Lawyers taking modest-means clients
These attorneys pay an annual fee to be listed. Payment buys placement only, never ranking or referral, and never a position in the free legal aid listings above.
No attorneys listed here yet.
Common questions
Is legal aid in Ohio really free?
Yes. LSC-funded programs do not charge eligible clients. There is no fee, no retainer and no share of any recovery.
What if I earn too much to qualify for legal aid in Ohio?
Programs generally cut off at $19,563 for one person and $40,188 for a family of four. Above that, look for attorneys offering flat fees or limited-scope representation, and ask the court about waiving filing fees.
Can legal aid in Ohio help with a criminal charge?
No. LSC funds civil matters only. If you are facing criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, contact the public defender for your district.