NLA is a legal aid program which provides free legal advice and representation in civil legal cases to low-income and elderly residents of Essex County and parts of Middlesex county. Since 1974 NLA has represented victims of domestic violence, prevented clients from becoming homeless through eviction defense or mortgage foreclosure, helped people obtain health, welfare, and other benefits, and those denied unemployment compensation.

Private Attorney Involvement (“PAI”) Program
Each year, NLA receives thousands of phone calls from clients requesting legal assistance in civil matters. Most callers cannot afford to seek private counsel and NLA lacks the resources to provide representation to most of them. To help meet these requests for services, many private attorneys have volunteered their help by joining the PAI program. For many of those who need help, our volunteer lawyers offer the only chance for equal access to justice. If you are interested in donating some of your time, please see our volunteer opportunities, or call our office today!

Attorney Obligations
We ask attorneys joining the PAI program to accept one pro bono case per year. We match your case to your practice interests. You can also accept or decline a referral following the initial interview.

Attorney Benefits
In exchange for your assistance, we will offer you:

• office space to meet with the client;
• the use of our library materials to research issues in your client’s case;
• the use of Westlaw services to research issues in your client’s case;
• NLA staff attorney consultation should you have a question about a case;
• free training programs; and,
• access to reduced fee MCLE trainings.

Listing up-to-date as of September 2024.