Need Legal Help?

How Can You Contact the Bureau?
Call (617) 495-4408, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Who Are We?
The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau is a legal services office staffed by court-certified law students and lawyers committed to providing quality representation to people who cannot afford to pay for an attorney.

What Do We Do?
We assign each client to a student attorney, who, under the direct supervision of an experienced and licensed attorney, will represent the client in matters relating to his or her legal problem. The student attorney investigates the problem, provides legal advice and counseling, prepares and files legal documents with the court, negotiates with the opposing party, and represents clients in court or before government agencies.

Who Do We Help?
We provide free legal services to people with no or low incomes who live in Suffolk County, and many communities in Middlesex County.

What Types of Cases Do We Handle?
The Bureau primarily represents clients with legal problems in these major areas: housing, government benefits, family law, and wages and hours.

What Types of Cases Does the Bureau Not Handle?
The Bureau does not handle criminal cases, bankruptcies, personal injury claims (such as injuries arising from an auto accident), or workers' compensation claims. In addition, the Bureau does not generally represent students unless they are on TAFDC.

What Happens When You Call?
When you call the Bureau, a staff member will ask you brief questions about where you live, your income, and your legal problem. If we are able to handle your legal problem, the staff member will arrange for an in-person intake interview. During the intake interview, a student attorney will ask you questions about your case. Within a week, the Intake Committee will decide whether to assign your case for further investigation. After investigation, the student attorney and clinical supervisor will decide whether we can represent you in your case.

Where can I go if the Bureau cannot assist me?
There are many organizations that provide different kinds of legal services in the Boston metropolitan area.