Rhode Island Pro Bono & Community Legal Resources

Despite having the smallest geographical size of any state in the U.S., Rhode Island doesn't have the smallest population. In fact, there are more than one million people living in the state of Rhode Island. Around 12.8% of them live at or below the poverty line as outlined by the United States government. Hiring a lawyer tends to be beyond the financial means of those who live below the federal poverty line, so there is a considerable need for free legal assistance in the state of Rhode Island. Fortunately, a small but topnotch network of pro bono services and community legal resources are available in the state.

Pro Bono Services in Rhode Island

As tiny as Rhode Island is, it doesn't have an extensive need for several offices that offer pro bono services. The majority of the state's pro bono services are handled by the Rhode Island Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyers Program, or VLP. Indigent or low-income people can make use of the services of this organization when they are in need of legal help.

Rhode Island Bar Association
Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP)
115 Cedar Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401.421.7758


Rhode Island Community Legal Resources

The majority of people who have a legitimate need for pro bono services can receive the help that they need through the Volunteer Lawyers Program in Rhode Island. Unlike many other states, there isn't a huge network of community legal resources available in the state. However, what is available is very helpful.

Rhode Island Legal Services
77 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401.274.2652

Ocean State Lawyers for the Arts
PO Box 19
Saunderstown, RI 02874
Phone: 401.789.5686

HelpRILaw
Rhode Island Legal Services
56 Pine Street, Fourth Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401.274.2652

There is no reason for anyone who lives in Rhode Island to go without legal representation in civil court matters. By contacting one of the above organizations, indigent and low-income individuals can take an important first step towards protecting their legal rights. A quick phone call to one of the above organizations is all that is needed.