How To Hire an Attorney With No Money
It’s no secret that obtaining legal representation can be costly, especially if your case is complex, involves multiple parties, and has resulted in substantial damages. This is often the reality for individuals seeking legal support for cases involving domestic violence, employment concerns, personal injuries, and other types of complaints.
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The content on this page has been produced and reviewed in accordance with our editorial guidelines. This content has been reviewed and approved by founding Personal Injury Attorney Jack G. Bernstein who has over 40 years of legal practice experience.
At the law offices of Bernstein & Maryanoff, we take great pride in providing comprehensive, quality legal representation to all individuals. There are no upfront costs when you work with our team, allowing you to have peace of mind that you are working with a team committed to helping you get the results you deserve.
If you seek free legal representation in Miami but cannot afford it, you have options and avenues to turn to. Today, we’ll take a closer look at how to hire an attorney without money and legal resources you can turn to if you need representation but cannot afford it.
Can I Get Free Legal Representation?
Yes. If you live in Florida and need legal representation, you have options to obtain free legal advice in Miami or representation at a significantly reduced cost. However, knowing where to turn to obtain free legal representation or work with affordable attorneys in Miami is important.
Generally, when you seek free legal representation, you’ll typically need to meet a set of qualifying criteria. These criteria vary. However, general considerations include:
- Your household income
- The type of case you are seeking representation for
- The jurisdiction in which you live
In some cases, the income you make is not a determining factor when qualifying for free legal representation. For example, in cases involving domestic violence and elderly individuals, the amount of income you make on an annual basis will not disqualify you from free or affordable representation.
Are There Any Pro Bono Attorneys Available in Miami?
Yes. You will find a number of pro bono attorneys in Miami. Pro bono is a Latin term that translates to “for the public good.” An attorney will take on a case pro bono without expecting compensation for their services.
As with all states, there are avenues you can turn to to find pro bono lawyers to work with if you do not have the financial means to afford one.
You will find pro bono lawyers across all specialties, including Miami-slip-and-fall injury attorneys, personal injury law, immigration law, employment law, and other case types. The Legal Services Corporation is one of the best avenues to find a pro bono lawyer. It is the single largest funder of legal assistance for civil cases across the nation.
What’s the Difference Between a Public Defender and a Pro Bono Lawyer?
A common question for individuals who need legal aid in Florida but cannot afford it is how to distinguish between a pro bono lawyer and a public defender.
Pro Bono Lawyers
A pro bono lawyer is a private lawyer who agrees to provide their services to a plaintiff free of charge. Lawyers can work pro bono in both civil and criminal cases. Additionally, you often find legal pro bono support through a legal aid service in Miami (given that you qualify for pro bono services to begin with).
The FFLA (Funding Florida Legal Aid) Legal Aid Programs Listing details a complete list of Miami pro bono legal services through the state of Florida. These programs can connect you to pro bono lawyers who may be able to take on your case.
Public Defender
A public defender in Miami, on the other hand, is a lawyer who is appointed to an individual’s case. That case will then appear in front of a judge. Public defenders are compensated for their services, but the compensation is either paid out by the court or the Public Defenders Group. Additionally, public defenders do not represent individuals in civil matters, only in criminal cases.
What Are the Qualifications for Getting a Public Defender?
As with obtaining legal representation via a pro bono lawyer, there are also qualifications you must meet in order to obtain a public defender if you are facing criminal charges.
All states have their own qualifications that you must meet in order to obtain a public defender. In the state of Florida, you must meet the following:
- Have an income that is equal to or less than 200% of the current federal poverty guideline
- Are unable to pay for a private attorney without incurring significant hardship
How Do I Find a Lawyer Who Works on a Contingency Basis?
For many individuals, finding a pro bono lawyer is not your only option for obtaining legal representation, even if you cannot afford it. One of the best methods for obtaining quality legal representation is working with a lawyer who works on contingency.
Many lawyers, including the experienced team at Bernstein & Maryanoff, operate on a contingency basis. This means that a lawyer will handle your legal concerns free of charge and will not be compensated unless they win your case.
When working with contingency fee lawyers in Miami, a lawyer will review the expectations and services they will provide you before taking on your case. This way, you thoroughly understand your legal rights and obligations once your case is resolved.
Before they take on your case, an attorney will review the fee structure if they win it. This fee structure is often in the form of a percentage of your overall settlement or damages awarded.
For many individuals, working with an attorney on a contingency basis is one of the best ways to obtain comprehensive and quality legal support without the stress and financial burden that accompanies working with a lawyer for the first time.
Can I Negotiate Payment Plans With an Attorney?
Before you enter into a legal contract with an attorney, you and the attorney will go over the details of any and all fee structures, including payment plans if one will be applied. When initially agreeing, you may be able to negotiate your payment plan with an attorney. However, this differs from attorney to attorney.
Are There Legal Aid Services in Miami That Can Help Me?
If you live in Miami, legal help is available. There are a number of legal aid services that can help you if you need legal representation but cannot afford it.
One of the best ways to gain quality legal representation is by connecting with the right legal aid service group for your unique circumstance. You can do this by contacting advocacy organizations affiliated with the type of civil or criminal injustice you face.
There are a number of civil rights and advocacy groups that can provide you with legal representation either free of charge or with a significantly reduced pay structure through their sliding scale fee structure. Reaching out to these organizations can be an effective way to get quality legal representation regardless of your ability to pay.
How Do Sliding Scale Fees Work for Legal Services?
When you turn to a legal aid service for personal injury attorneys in Miami, one of the tools used to help you afford legal representation is payment through a sliding scale fee. Sliding scale fees are a type of fee structure that calculates your ability to pay and determines a payment plan that allows you to obtain legal representation without having to endure hardship as a result.
Certain qualifications are considered for sliding-scale legal fees in Miami. These qualifications include your income and family size. The legal aid group may also determine whether your fee structure should be hourly or a simple flat fee.
How Can I Get a Free Consultation With a Lawyer?
The best lawyers tend to be the ones who offer free evaluations of your case. During this initial evaluation, a lawyer will get into the details of your case, determine the strength of your case, possible damages you may be able to recover, and whether or not it is possible for you to have a successful outcome.
By scheduling a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney, you’ll have more insight into your case, giving you a better sense of your options.
What Resources Are Available for Low-Income Individuals Seeking Legal Help?
There are several programs for low-income legal assistance in Miami. At the law offices of Bernstein & Maryanoff, we can provide comprehensive support through our initial free case evaluations. We do not take any money upfront and will work diligently to help you recover the compensation and other damages you may be entitled to.
Through our free case evaluation and contingency-based fee structures, you can have peace of mind knowing you are receiving quality legal guidance without the burden of financial obligation. You don’t pay anything until we win your case. This allows you to focus fully on your recovery while our team works to build a robust case on your behalf.
Sources:
Alternative Fee Arrangements. (2024).
FFLA (Funding Florida Legal Aid). (2024).
Law Offices of The Public Defender 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. (2024).
The Legal Services Corporation. (2024).
