Serving: Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla
Franklin & Gulf access to North Florida Center for Equal Justice – Tallahassee: 850-701-3980
What do Legal Services Lawyers Do?
Lawyers in a legal services office provide the same legal services as any other attorney. They can advise and represent you in most areas of civil law, although each program has priorities for the types of cases it will take.
Because the number of people demanding legal services exceeds the staff and money available to handle cases, legal services offices limit the types of cases taken.
They do not handle criminal cases, because the state provides public defenders to represent people accused of criminal actions who cannot afford private attorneys.
Also, the legal services offices generally do not deal with cases in which a person is seeking money as a settlement. In such cases, a private attorney usually will represent a client without any initial charge, collecting a fee only if the client wins the case. Then the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the client’s settlement. This is called a contingency fee.
Check with the office in your community if you have questions about the types of cases handled.
Who Can Apply for Legal Services?
Free legal services are meant for people of low income who cannot afford the services of an attorney. Many programs have different standards, and you will have to check with your community office to find out if you qualify. Some offices base their eligibility only on income, while others will consider ownership of property and size of family. It is important that you call your legal assistance provider to learn whether you qualify.