NEED LEGAL HELP?

Get Help

Volunteer Lawyers Project represents the people of Greater Boston. Our work is possible thanks to our staff and strong team of volunteers. We stand ready to provide you with legal help. To find out if you qualify, just answer the questions below. 

We represent US citizens, green card holders, and certain other immigrants. Specific rules do apply, and our legal help may be limited due to funding requirements.

 

Even if you do not qualify for our services, we do our best to offer referrals. All information shared with VLP is private and confidential, regardless if you are eligible for our assistance.

WHAT TOWN DO YOU LIVE IN? 

Volunteer Lawyers Project serves residents in Greater Boston. If you live in one of these towns, we may be able to help:

 

Acton, Arlington, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Belmont, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Canton, Carlisle, Chelsea, Cohasset, Concord, Dedham. Dover, Everett, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Hingham, Holbrook, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Medway, Melrose, Millis, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Norwell, Norwood, Plainville, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Scituate, Sharon, Sherborn, Somerville, Stoneham, Stow, Sudbury, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, Weymouth, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Wollaston, Wrentham.

WHAT IS YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME?

VLP helps lower income families from the Greater Boston Area. To find out if you qualify, call:

VLP’s ERLI (Eastern Region Legal Intake) Helpline.
617- 603-1700 or 1-800-342-LAWS (5297)
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

When you call ERLI, you may need to wait to speak to a Legal Advocate. Please be patient as we assist many people. Whatever you tell ERLI is private and confidential. An ERLI staff person will ask you some questions to find out if you qualify for legal services from VLP or another organization. ERLI may be able to give you information or advice about your legal problem. Some callers are scheduled for 30-minute telephone legal advice sessions with experienced pro bono attorneys.

What type of legal problem do you have?

We provide legal help, information, or advice in the following areas:
Note: We do not handle personal injury cases, criminal cases, or represent prisoners on any legal matters.

Consumer / Bankruptcy

  • Being harassed or sued by debt collectors
  • Debt relief
  • Utilities being shut off
  • Bankruptcy (Ch. 7 & 13)

Employment

  • Wage theft and hour work violations
  • Unpaid wages
  • Denial of lawful benefits
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Nonpayment of overtime
  • Misclassification of independent contractor

Family Law and Guardianship

  • Guardianship over disabled adult child over 18
  • Family members seeking guardianship of minor children whose parents are unavailable
  • Modifications of child support and child custody
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Paternity
  • Divorce
  • Court cases for restraining orders in an abusive relationship

Probate

  • Wills
  • Health care proxies
  • Powers of attorney

Housing

  • Tenants and families facing eviction
  • Filing a complaint against a landlord for bad living conditions
  • Low-income landlords with problem tenants
  • Homeownership preservation
  • Post-foreclosure eviction

Call ERLI’s Elder Helpline at 
1-800-342-5297 
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

We provide free legal information and referrals to all Massachusetts residents who are 60 years old or older, regardless of income. Your Legal Advocate will research your legal issue and give you information on most legal topics. The advocate can also refer you to an organization that can provide legal help. We can also text, e-mail, or mail you links or written materials.

What type of legal problem do you have?

We provide legal help, information, or advice in the following areas:
Note: We do not handle personal injury cases, criminal cases, or represent prisoners on any legal matters.

Consumer / Bankruptcy

  • Being harassed or sued by debt collectors
  • Debt relief
  • Utilities being shut off
  • Bankruptcy (Ch. 7 & 13)

Employment

  • Wage theft and hour work violations
  • Unpaid wages
  • Denial of lawful benefits
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Nonpayment of overtime
  • Misclassification of independent contractor

Family Law and Guardianship

  • Guardianship over disabled adult child over 18
  • Family members seeking guardianship of minor children whose parents are unavailable
  • Modifications of child support and child custody
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Paternity
  • Divorce
  • Court cases for restraining orders in an abusive relationship

Probate

  • Wills
  • Health care proxies
  • Powers of attorney

Housing

  • Tenants and families facing eviction
  • Filing a complaint against a landlord for bad living conditions
  • Low-income landlords with problem tenants
  • Homeownership preservation
  • Post-foreclosure eviction

Civil Appeals: If you think the decision made at court was wrong or unfair? We may be able to help you appeal the decision: Civil Appeals Clinic