Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) provides free, specialized, civil legal services to eligible low-income individuals and families across 42 Louisiana parishes. ALSC can assist with a range of legal issues including family law (domestic violence, divorce, custody, adoption, and more), employment, housing, health, consumer rights, education, and other legal areas. To be eligible for services, clients must meet income requirements or age 60 or older, and live in their service area. Contact one of their offices to apply for services.
Legal Assistance
Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims of abuse and others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer who you can consult with to get advice. Please note that we list the organizations by the town/city or county where the office is located – however, many offices may likely serve multiple counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click “View All” to look through the complete list of organizations.
Lafayette
Acadiana Legal Services Corporation - Lafayette Office
Lafayette Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Lafayette Bar Association has links to attorneys in different practice areas (but they do not guarantee a low-cost initial consultation). They also have a program called “Counsel on Call” which is a free program that gives self-represented litigants an opportunity to discuss legal matters with volunteer attorneys. Participants are assisted on a first come first served basis and will be limited to a 15 minute conference with the volunteer attorney. Please be advised, these attorneys do not represent you as counsel in court. The program occurs every Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Lafayette Bar Association in the Lafayette Parish Law Library which is located at 2607 Johnston Street. The office opens at 8:30 AM and participants are advised to arrive early. There are only 8-12 spots each Friday depending on the number of volunteer attorneys and you are limited to participating in the program once a month. In addition, for people who have filed for a protective order and have a temporary restraining order and upcoming court date, they offer limited representation for the Protective Order Hearing/Rule. Call the Lafayette Bar Association to schedule an appointment or apply in person. If you apply in person please bring your initial petition, TRO, drivers license, and any copies of police reports, photos of injuries, medical records, or pertinent evidence.