Meta: A 2025 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Providence, Rhode Island — including verified local providers, eligibility details, common case types, and how residents can prepare before requesting help. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Providence, RI: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Providence and cannot afford a private attorney, several statewide organizations provide free or low-cost civil legal help. These groups assist with housing and eviction defense, domestic violence protective orders, family law, consumer debt, benefits appeals, and immigration-related civil issues. (You can also upload your legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Providence
Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS)
What they do: RILS is the state’s primary civil-legal aid organization, offering free legal assistance in housing, eviction defense, domestic violence protective orders, family law, custody, child support, consumer debt, public benefits, and elder law. They also represent tenants facing unsafe housing or discrimination.
Who they help: Low-income individuals, seniors, and families who meet financial eligibility guidelines (generally 125% of the federal poverty level or below).
Contact: 56 Pine Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 274-2652. Website: helprilaw.org.
Center for Justice (CFJ) — Providence
What they do: The Center for Justice is a nonprofit law firm that provides free and low-cost representation for tenants, workers, and low-income families. Focus areas include eviction prevention, employment discrimination, utility shutoff cases, and consumer-rights advocacy.
Who they help: Low-income Rhode Islanders, particularly those at risk of losing housing or income due to systemic injustice.
Contact: 1 Empire Plaza, Suite 410, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 491-1101. Website: centerforjustice.org.
Rhode Island Center for Justice — Eviction Defense Project
What they do: Provides direct legal representation and court advocacy for tenants facing eviction or unsafe housing. Works in partnership with the City of Providence and other community organizations to keep residents stably housed.
Who they help: Low-income tenants in Providence and surrounding areas.
Contact: Visit centerforjustice.org/housing or call (401) 491-1101.
Sojourner House — Legal Advocacy for Survivors
What they do: Offers legal advocacy, safety planning, and protective-order assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Staff can help with emergency restraining orders and court accompaniment.
Who they help: Survivors of domestic and sexual violence, regardless of income or immigration status.
Contact: 386 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908. 24-hour helpline: (401) 765-3232. Website: sojournerri.org.
Roger Williams University School of Law — Pro Bono Collaborative
What they do: Connects law students and volunteer attorneys with community organizations to provide free legal assistance in areas like housing, domestic violence, consumer protection, and civil rights. While based in Bristol, many programs serve Providence residents.
Who they help: Low-income Rhode Islanders referred through nonprofit partners.
Contact: Phone: (401) 254-4514. Website: law.rwu.edu.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Providence
- Eviction defense and unsafe housing conditions
- Landlord–tenant disputes and rent issues
- Domestic violence and protective orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Debt collection and consumer fraud
- Employment discrimination and wage theft
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, unemployment)
- Elder law and disability rights
- Civil rights and racial justice issues
What Providence Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic violations
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- High-asset divorce or property division cases
When Providence Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court summons: Contact RILS or the Center for Justice immediately — deadlines are short.
- You experience domestic violence: Call Sojourner House’s 24-hour helpline for emergency protection.
- Your benefits were denied or terminated: Legal aid can help you file an appeal before the deadline passes.
- You receive a debt-collection or wage-garnishment notice: Early legal advice can prevent a default judgment.
- You are an elderly or disabled tenant facing eviction: Ask RILS about elder or disability legal programs.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: Leases, eviction notices, benefit letters, pay stubs, court papers, and ID.
- Write a summary: Describe your problem in 2–3 sentences and explain what help you need.
- List key dates: Court hearings, benefit deadlines, or eviction notices.
- Provide proof of income: Pay stubs, benefits, or unemployment paperwork are required for intake.
- Highlight urgent issues: Eviction, violence, or loss of benefits.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Low-cost attorneys: The Rhode Island Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service provides modest-fee consultations. (ribar.com)
- Community clinics: Check Roger Williams University Law School for free legal clinic events. (law.rwu.edu)
- Self-help resources: Visit HelpRILaw.org for statewide legal information and forms.
- LegalClarity tools: Upload documents for plain-English explanations — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Providence Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Providence and cannot afford an attorney, start by contacting Rhode Island Legal Services at (401) 274-2652. For eviction or tenant issues, reach out to the Center for Justice. Survivors of domestic violence can call Sojourner House at (401) 765-3232. If you don’t qualify for free legal aid, try the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service or use LegalClarity’s document-explainer tools for plain-language guidance — informational only, not legal advice.