Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Buffalo, NY — including verified organizations, what cases they handle, who qualifies, and how to prepare before applying. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Buffalo, NY: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Buffalo and cannot afford a private attorney, several local and statewide organizations offer free or low-cost civil legal help. These groups assist with eviction defense, unsafe housing, family law, domestic violence, debt collection, immigration-related civil matters, elder law, benefits denials, and more. Even when they cannot offer full representation, many provide legal clinics, advice lines, and self-help support. (You may also upload your documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Buffalo
Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS)
What they do: NLS is the primary civil legal-aid provider in Erie County. They assist with eviction defense, unsafe housing, disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), domestic violence, family law (custody/visitation), elder law, public-benefits disputes, consumer issues, and immigrant rights (non-court representation).
Contact: Phone: (716) 847-0650. Website: nls.org.
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo
What they do: Offers civil legal services with a focus on domestic violence, family law issues (custody, visitation, support), housing rights, reentry services, and some immigration-related matters. They also run several specialized advocacy programs.
Contact: Phone: (716) 853-9555. Website: legalaidbuffalo.org.
ECMC Center for Violence Prevention (Domestic Violence Legal Support)
What they do: Provides support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including assistance with protective orders, legal advocacy, and crisis response.
Contact: 24/7 hotline: (716) 862-4357. Website: ecmc.edu.
Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP)
What they do: Offers pro bono and low-cost legal services. VLP assists with housing matters, immigration cases, family law, tax issues, consumer rights, and legal clinics for self-represented litigants.
Contact: Phone: (716) 847-0662. Website: ecbavlp.com.
WNY Center for Survivors of Torture (via Jewish Family Services)
What they do: Provides trauma-informed legal advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, including civil-immigration support and related services.
Contact: Phone: (716) 883-1914. Website: jfsbuffalo.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Buffalo
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions
- Family law: custody, visitation, support, and guardianship
- Domestic violence protection and safety planning
- Debt collection, garnishment, credit-report errors
- Disability-benefits applications and appeals (SSI/SSDI)
- Public-benefits problems (SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment)
- Civil immigration matters (not court deportation defense)
- Elder-law issues including abuse or exploitation
- Record sealing and reentry support
What Buffalo Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense (felonies, misdemeanors)
- Personal injury or medical malpractice claims
- Business or commercial litigation
- Immigration removal/deportation defense
- Complex, high-asset divorce or custody disputes
When Buffalo Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court summons: Erie County housing cases move quickly — contact NLS promptly.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call the ECMC hotline or request a protection order.
- You receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Keep all documents — deadlines are strict.
- Your disability or public benefits are denied: Appeals often require fast action.
- You face unsafe housing conditions: Take photos, report issues, and request legal support.
- Seniors experiencing financial abuse or eviction: Specialized legal aid may be available through NLS.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather key documents: leases, eviction notices, repair logs, photos of unsafe housing, benefit denials, income documents, debt letters, and court papers.
- Create a timeline: record when notices, payments, repairs, and incidents occurred.
- Prepare household & income details: needed for eligibility screening.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences describing your situation and the help you need.
- Highlight urgent factors: eviction risk, DV safety issues, disabilities, child involvement, or upcoming deadlines.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Erie County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: affordable attorney consultations.
- Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP): low-cost and pro bono assistance.
- NY Courts Self-Help Center: free forms and procedural guides for self-represented litigants.
- LegalClarity upload tool: get a plain-English explanation of your legal documents (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Buffalo Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Buffalo and cannot afford a lawyer, start by contacting Neighborhood Legal Services at (716) 847-0650. For domestic violence emergencies, call the ECMC crisis hotline. If you do not qualify for free help, try the Erie County Bar Lawyer Referral Service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.