In Rhode Island, some organizations offer free and reduced-price legal services focusing on civil legal issues, such as housing, family law, benefits, elder care, disability rights, and more. Most have income-based eligibility requirements and serve specific populations, namely seniors, survivors, veterans, people with disabilities, artists, and those facing homelessness.

Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS)

• Website: www.rils.org


• Hotline: 401-274‑2652 or 1‑800‑662‑5034


• Legal Areas: Housing (evictions, foreclosure), family law (divorce, custody, domestic violence), public benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid), consumer/debt issues, elder law, and tax disputes.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available to those who earn less than 125% of the federal poverty level and services focusing on housing are available for people who earn up to 80% of the area's median income.

Rhode Island Bar Association – Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP)

• Website: www.ribar.com/public/vlp


• Hotline: 401-421‑7758 or 1‑800‑339‑7758


• Legal Areas: Landlord/tenant, family law, public benefits, consumer, bankruptcy, employment, special education, guardianship, and wills.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available to low-income residents, though applicants may have to cover filing fees and court fees.

U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project (via RIBA)

• Website: www.ribar.com


• Hotline: 401-521‑5040


• Legal Areas: Family law, probate, landlord/tenant, consumer, bankruptcy, employment, immigration, and tax.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available to low-income, active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate families.

Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC)

• Website: www.drri.org


• Hotline: 401-831‑3150


• Legal Areas: Disability rights, including education, employment, benefits, discrimination, and access advocacy.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available for individuals with disabilities (and/or mental illness).

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)

• Website: www.ricadv.org


• Hotline: 1‑800‑494‑8100


• Legal Areas: Legal help for domestic violence survivors, including protective orders, custody, housing, and employment support.


• Free Advice: Services are available for survivors of domestic violence in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Senior Legal Assistance Program (via RILS)

• Website: www.rils.org/seniors


• Hotline: 401- 274‑2652


• Legal Areas: Elder law, including Medicare/Medicaid, housing, elder abuse, benefits, and estate planning.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available for low-income residents over the age of 60.

Homeless Legal Clinic (RI Coalition to End Homelessness)

• Website: www.ripd.org/selfhelp


• Hotline: 401-232‑4576


• Legal Areas: Housing, benefits (SSI, medical), family law, bankruptcy, ID issues, expungement, and unemployment appeals.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Roger Williams University School of Law Clinics

• Website: www.law.rwu.edu/clinics


• Hotline: 401-254‑4500


• Legal Areas: Criminal defense, immigration, and veterans’ rights.


• Free Advice: Legal services are available to low-income residents, though restrictions pertaining to geography and case type may apply.

Ocean State Lawyers for the Arts (OSLA)

• Website: www.artslaw.org


• Hotline: 401-789‑5686


• Legal Areas: Arts and entertainment law (contracts, copyright, nonprofit formation).


• Free Advice: Legal services are available for artists and arts organizations in Rhode Island.