Legal aid is the name of any of several programs that provide legal service for people who cannot afford an attorney. In the United States, legal aid agencies are sponsored by charitable organizations; law schools; lawyers’ associations; and the federal, state, and local governments. The federal government provides funds to help support some government and private legal aid organizations.
Agencies furnishing legal aid handle chiefly civil cases. Such cases involve such matters as adoptions, bankruptcies, divorces, and job and rent disputes. Congress has prohibited legal aid agencies from using federal funds in criminal cases. These cases involve actions considered harmful to society. Many states employ lawyers who serve as public defenders in criminal cases (see Public defender ).
The first legal aid agency in the United States was established in 1876 by the German Society, an organization in New York City. The society set up the agency to help German immigrants with legal problems. Lawyers’ associations in many cities have set up legal aid programs during the 1900’s. In 1911, an organization was founded to furnish legal aid to the needy. This group is now called the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. It publishes information and holds conferences for workers in the legal aid field.
In 1964, Congress set up the Office of Legal Services as part of the War on Poverty program of President Lyndon B. Johnson. This agency helped organize legal aid programs in many states. In 1974, Congress dissolved the Office of Legal Services and transferred its functions to a private, nonprofit corporation, the Legal Services Corporation. This agency provides funds, information, and training programs for legal aid agencies. The United States has about 1,600 of these agencies.
