215-238-6333

To provide referrals to attorneys in private practice

LRIS: Income guidelines: none (anyone may call, referrals to attorneys are for clients who either are able to pay an attorney in private practice, or have contingent fee cases.); Geographic guidelines: Philadelphia area;

Modest Means Program: Income guidelines: income greater than 187.5% of the official poverty threshold (OPT) guideline but no more than 250% of the OPT or income below 187.5 % of the OPT who are nevertheless ineligible for free legal services; Geographic guidelines: legal matter in the Philadelphia area.

LRIS: By phone, M – F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hours are extended to 8 pm on the third Wednesday of every month, when phones are staffed by volunteer lawyers.
Modest Means Program: Intake is done by the referring agency, who
determines client’s eligibility for the Modest Means Program. If client is
eligible, LRIS staff will refer the client for an attorney.
The following cases are accepted at varying flat rates: No Fault Divorce (no financial issues); No Fault Divorce (no financial issues with stipulation as to custody or visitation of children); Spousal Support; Child Support; Protection from Abuse; Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 only); Personal Planning Package; Simple Will; Living Will; Power of Attorney; Unemployment Comp.; Deed Transfer; and Administration of Small Estates
The following cases are accepted at reduced hourly rates:
Consumer, Creditor/Debtor (defense), Eviction (hearing), Landlord/ Tenant, Negligence Defense, and Small Claims Court (hearing)

All civil and criminal matters.
There are no free lawyers for representation in family court.

LRIS staff provides referrals to attorneys who are in private
practice. When referred to an attorney, clients must expect to pay $30 for the first half-hour consultation. In contingent fee
matters, the consultation fee does not have to be paid upfront. Thereafter, the client may negotiate the fee with the attorney.
Fee Dispute Program: resolves disagreements about fees
between clients and lawyers out of court. For more information,
call (215) 238-6369.

Charlie Klitsch, Esq. Director of Public & Legal Services