Legal Resources

If you have problems with housing, public utilities, child support, unemployment or welfare benefits and cannot afford regular legal fees, there are agencies that may be able to help you.

Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP)

MEJP is dedicated to advocating on behalf of low-income people in Maine, to assure their access to basic rights and services; including health care, income support, food assistance, housing, child care, education and training, and fair working conditions. Maine Equal Justice provides a voice for low-income people through representation in the courts, the Legislature, and administrative agencies; legal policy research and analysis; and education and training about their legal rights and opportunities to participate in public policy reform. They are located at 126 Sewall Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

Tel: 626-7058, Toll-free: 1-866-626-7059, Fax: 621-8148.
Website: www.mejp.org

The Volunteer Lawyers Project

Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) coordinates the volunteer efforts of Maine attorneys and community members to help low-income people navigate the civil justice system. They provide free information, brief assistance and pro bono legal representation in civil legal matters to qualifying clients.

Tel: 1-800-442-4293 or 774-4348, TTY 828-2308
Website: www.vlp.org

The Disability Rights Center of Maine

Disability Rights Center (DRC) provides advocacy for people with disabilities. The organization provides information on rights and service systems; legal representation of individuals and groups; and referrals to other appropriate services.

Tel: 1-800-452-1948, TTY: 1-800-452-1948
Website: www.drcme.org

Legal Services for the Elderly

Legal Services for the Elderly provides persons age 60 and over with free legal advice regarding health care, health insurance, Medicare (including Part D), MaineCare (Medicaid), Social Security and other public benefits, pension and retirement benefits, powers of attorney, consumer matters including creditor and bankruptcy problems, physical and financial abuse, guardianship defense and other issues.

Tel: 622-0087 or 1-800-750-5353
Website: www.mainelse.org

Maine Lawyer Referral and Information Services

Maine Lawyer Referral and Information Services can help you find a lawyer to assist you with a legal issue. There is a $25 fee for the use of their service, which entitles you to a half-hour consultation with an attorney.

Tel: 1-800-860-1460
Website: www.mainebar.org

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides free legal services to low-income Maine people. Pine Tree maintains six permanent field offices in Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, Machias and Presque Isle, as well as an outreach site in Rockland. The type of service provided by Pine Tree depends largely on the type of legal problem facing the individual client. Most clients get immediate advice on their problem, including things they could do in order to resolve the problem on their own. Some receive written materials that provide more detailed information on common legal problems and solutions. Others are referred to an agency or service that can more appropriately resolve their immediate crisis or long-term problem.

Tel: (207) 774-8211, TTY: 711
Website: www.ptla.org