Equine Law Blog

Finding Low Cost Legal Services in Difficult Financial Times

We receive numerous calls and e-mails from people in the midst of serious legal issues who are unprepared for, or unwilling to undertake, the expense involved in hiring a lawyer. For example, a trainer could be faced with a lawsuit arising out of a sales agency. An individual horse owner might want to “free-lease” her gelding to a friend and want a contract that protects her as much as possible in the situation.

How can people who cannot afford a lawyer seek legal services at low, or no cost?

Here are a few examples:

Court-Appointed Counsel (Criminal Defense)

People are entitled to receive a court-appointed and court-paid lawyer in some criminal matters. By comparison, in civil matters (where, typically, money is at stake as opposed to jail time), no such guarantee exists.

Legal Aid Clinics

You might be eligible for free or reduced cost legal services through legal aid programs in your area. Eligibility varies, and you will be asked to provide information about your income, expenses, financial needs, and family size. For information about legal aid programs in your state, check the Legal Services Corporation website. Even if you qualify for this assistance, keep in mind, however, that recent economic conditions have found legal aid organizations facing unprecedented demand. Many have been forced to prioritize legal matters and, with reduced budgets, are almost exclusively devoted to helping people with significant family issues such as evictions, divorces, and child custody matters. People who call legal aid organizations with equine and animal-related legal matters might find that the assistance simply cannot be provided.

Legal Clinics at Law Schools

According to one website, 165 law schools in the United States offer or have offered animal law courses. The possibility exists that law schools offering this coursework might even have programs offering animal-related legal aid clinics for people in the community. Contact a law school in your area to inquire.

Bar Association Animal Law Organizations

Bar association Animal Law Sections are becoming common nationwide. For example, animal law sections can be found in Washington and Michigan. Some of these bar associations have lawyer referral programs. Some offer community outreach programs that provide free or low-cost services on certain types of animal-related legal matters. Find out whether a law school in your state has an Animal Law committee or organization.

Conclusion

Hiring a lawyer is a very important decision. The internet may be an excellent source of information on qualified lawyers. The internet can also offer information on the law, but it is not a substitute for a lawyer.

Categories: Contracts, Employment, Liability