Meta: A 2025 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Columbia, South Carolina — including verified organizations, eligibility details, and practical preparation tips. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Columbia, SC: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Columbia and cannot afford a private attorney, several statewide and local organizations provide free or low-cost legal help for civil cases. These groups assist with housing and evictions, domestic violence, family law, public-benefits disputes, debt collection, and elder law. (You can also upload legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Columbia
South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) — Columbia Office
What they do: SCLS is the statewide provider of free civil legal aid for low-income South Carolinians. The Columbia office helps with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, consumer debt issues, and benefits appeals. They also handle cases involving elder law, disability rights, and unemployment compensation.
Who they help: Low-income residents who meet financial-eligibility criteria (typically 125% or below the federal poverty level), as well as seniors and victims of abuse.
Contact: 2109 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: (803) 799-9668. Toll-free: 1-888-346-5592. Website: sclegal.org.
South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
What they do: Focuses on advocacy, education, and legal representation in cases that impact low-income families. They handle issues such as access to public benefits, housing, immigration, and consumer protection, as well as systemic advocacy to reduce poverty across South Carolina.
Who they help: Low-income residents, immigrants, and families facing civil legal barriers to stability.
Contact: P.O. Box 7187, Columbia, SC 29202. Phone: (803) 779-1113. Website: scjustice.org.
Richland County Bar Association — Pro Bono Program
What they do: Connects low-income residents of Richland County with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance in civil cases, including housing, family law, and consumer debt. They also host legal clinics for brief consultations.
Who they help: Residents of Richland County who meet income requirements.
Contact: 1701 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: (803) 771-9801. Website: richbar.org.
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA)
What they do: Provides legal advocacy and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. SCCADVASA connects survivors to legal-aid partners and local programs offering protective orders and court representation.
Who they help: Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, regardless of income or background.
Contact: 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 301, Columbia, SC 29204. Phone: (803) 256-2900. Website: sccadvasa.org.
University of South Carolina School of Law — Pro Bono Program
What they do: Provides free legal assistance through supervised law-student projects and clinics. Areas include housing, veterans’ benefits, and domestic violence protective orders. Law students volunteer under the guidance of licensed attorneys.
Who they help: Low-income individuals and community members referred by partner organizations.
Contact: 1525 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Phone: (803) 777-3405. Website: sc.edu/law/pro_bono.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Columbia
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Domestic violence and protective orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Consumer and debt collection defense
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, unemployment)
- Elder-law issues, wills, and powers of attorney
- Employment and wage-theft cases
- Immigration and language-access issues
What Columbia Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic violations
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or corporate litigation
- High-asset divorce or property division cases
When Columbia Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court summons: Contact SCLS right away — eviction deadlines are short.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Contact SCCADVASA for referrals to legal aid and protective orders.
- Your benefits are denied or terminated: File an appeal as soon as possible — SCLS can assist.
- You receive a wage-garnishment or debt-collection notice: Ask the Richland County Bar’s Pro Bono Program for guidance.
- You are a veteran or senior facing eviction or loss of benefits: USC Law’s Pro Bono Program may have dedicated projects to assist.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: Leases, eviction papers, benefit-denial letters, debt notices, pay stubs, and ID.
- Write a summary: Describe your legal problem in a few sentences.
- List key dates: Hearings, deadlines, or notice dates.
- Provide proof of income: Pay stubs or benefits statements for eligibility review.
- Highlight urgent issues: Eviction risk, safety concerns, or loss of income.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Low-cost attorneys: Contact the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service for affordable consultations. (lrs.scbar.org)
- Self-help legal resources: Visit LawHelp.org/SC for free forms and guides.
- Community clinics: Watch for local legal clinics run by SCLS or USC Law students.
- LegalClarity tools: Upload documents for plain-English explanations — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Columbia Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Columbia and cannot afford an attorney, begin by contacting South Carolina Legal Services at (803) 799-9668. For advocacy and benefits assistance, reach out to the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center. Survivors of abuse should contact SCCADVASA for immediate referrals. If you don’t qualify for free services, try the South Carolina Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for plain-language explanations — informational only, not legal advice.