Helpful Resources
Essential Resources for
Every Individual
The legal landscape can be a confusing and overwhelming place for individuals who are not familiar with its complexities. Whether you’re dealing with a legal dispute or simply want to know your rights, it’s important to have reliable resources at your fingertips. Fortunately, there are a wealth of legal resources available to help you navigate this complex environment.
From government websites and legal aid organizations to online forums and self-help books, we’ll cover everything you need to know to stay informed and empowered in the legal landscape. So whether you’re dealing with a legal issue or just want to arm yourself with knowledge, read on to discover the essential legal resources that every individual should have at their disposal.
For General Legal Help & Representation
If you cannot afford an attorney or legal services, contact the Bar Association of your State for referrals on probono services or general law information. They also have a ton of information on their websites for individuals that DIY:
For NY:
New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)
(518) 463-3200
https://nysba.org/
New York City Bar Association
(212) 382-6600
https://www.nycbar.org/
For a complete State list and their website, click here: https://generalbar.com/State.aspx
Legal Aid Societies are non profit legal providers for Americans with low-income in NYC
(212) 577-3200
https://legalaidnyc.org/
For a complete state list of legal aid societies, click here: https://www.statesidelegal.org/lso
Online Law Forums & Questions
In today’s digital age, online legal resources play a crucial role in providing individuals with access to valuable legal information and tools. These resources have transformed the way people can educate themselves on various legal matters, empowering them to make informed decisions and take necessary actions when faced with legal issues
Just Answer (Recommended)
Avvo
Nolo
Findlaw
Legal Document Generators
Enables individuals to draft legal documents, with ease. These tools streamline the legal process, saving time and resources for individuals seeking legal guidance or representation.
Legal templates (Recommended)
Rocketlawyer
Legalzoom
Legal Hotlines
In NY: Most of the hotlines listed provide help in English and Spanish. All of these hotlines are free and confidential.
Visit https://www.lawhelpny.org/hotlines
And choose your topic.
The Older Americans Act provides certain services for people over 60. Anyone over 60 can get free legal advice over the phone. For a list of hotlines across the U.S serving seniors, please visit:
Legal Directories
Finding a lawyer in your area, and for a specific matter has never been easier
Visit https://www.lawhelpny.org/find-legal-help
Another option is HG. This website offers helpful tips and access to find a lawyer in your area
Visit https://www.hg.org/
Legal Membership
This is an interesting company that offers a membership for legal advice, for any matter.
Instead of paying a lawyer by the hour, pay a small monthly fee and get access to a lawyer that can advise you on a huge variety of issues—but without a huge bill.
Immigration Matters
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
https://www.uscis.gov/ is the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security.
Here you can access ALL forms, check case statuses, file cases, respond to request for evidence, and so much more!
Immigration Pro-bono Attorneys
The justice department provides a free list of agencies and law organizations providing free legal services for immigration cases for most states
Visit https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
National Terrorism Advisory System
The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) is a system to communicate information about terrorist threats by providing information to the American public. You can subscribe for alerts.
Visit https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
Under this law, and the Privacy Act (PA), you can request:
- Your own immigration records;
- Someone else’s immigration records, if you have their written permission; and
- Agency policies, data, communications, and other records
Visit https://www.uscis.gov/records/request-records-through-the-freedom-of-information-act-or-privacy-act to submit your request online.
NYC’s Immigration Hotline
The City of New York offers New Yorkers free, safe immigration legal help in a network of trusted community-based organizations at community sites, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries. Services are provided in your language. Your immigration status does not matter.
Call (800) 354-0365
Visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/immigration-legal-services.page
Housing/Landlord & Tenant
For All states in the US
The US Department of Treasury
Provides information on emergency rental assistance programs available in your state and other available housing programs
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Another great site proving information on programs available in your state
Visit https://www.hud.gov/rent_relief
For tenants facing eviction in NYC
Right-to-counsel legal services are free and available in every zipcode, regardless of immigration status.
Call (718) 557-1379 or (212) 962-4795
Visit the nyc’s HRA website at
Call 311 and ask for the tenant helpline
Contact a nonprofit law office near you- visit the website above for a complete list of law office partners that provide free legal help.
The NYC Courts Help Centers
The Civil Court Help Centers provide free walk-in services to litigants who are not represented by an attorney and have cases pending in the Civil Court of the City of New York.
No appointment is necessary to use the Help Center
Visit https://www.nycourts.gov/courtsnychousing/resourcecenter.shtml for more information and phone numbers
Contact the Coalition for the Homeless
Call (212) 776-2039
Visit https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/our-programs/crisis-services/eviction-prevention/
DISCLAIMER: Paralegals FTC, Inc., is a non profit, tax exempt organization under section 501(c)3. We are a Paralegal firm and not Attorneys or a Law Firm. We cannot provide representation or give legal advice. Our firm provides non-attorney legal services to the community, law firms and other agencies.
