The Pro Bono Program of the New Hampshire Bar Association

The NH Bar Association’s Pro Bono Referral Program

Who We Are

The NH Pro Bono Referral Program coordinates private attorneys who volunteer (are unpaid) to help low-income people with non-criminal legal problems and needs.  Pro Bono is a private (non-government), non-profit operated through, and supported by, the New Hampshire Bar Association. We partner with NHLA and LARC to serve low-income families and individuals with basic legal issues.  A small staff runs Pro Bono, which includes recruiting and training attorneys, reviewing applications for assistance, referring and overseeing cases and providing volunteer attorneys with supportive services. 

Who Pro Bono Helps

Applicants must be low-income and meet certain income and asset guidelines in order to be considered for Pro Bono services.  Pro Bono can help only with non-criminal legal matters.  Please see the types of legal issues listed below for which Pro Bono may be able to make an attorney referral.

Types of Legal Problems/Issues

The program may provide attorney referrals in the following legal areas depending on staff and volunteer resources:

• Parenting plans

• Divorce

• Domestic Violence 

• Evictions from Private Housing

• Mortgage Foreclosures (Limited Services)

• Chapter 7 Personal Bankruptcies

• Debt Collection

• Wills and Probate

• Assistance to Non-profits

•  Income Tax Disputes

Where to Apply for Assistance

If you need help with one of these legal issues, please read below to learn where to call and how to apply for services.  Pro Bono does not take applications directly EXCEPT as noted below. 

If your issue is:       

• Housing (private or public evictions, landlord/tenant disputes) including mobile home disputes call Legal Advice and Referral Center (“LARC”): 1-800-639-5290 (LARC will take information about your case, provide advice, and refer to Pro Bono for possible attorney representation if appropriate.)

• Family Law (parenting plans, guardianships, divorce, support) call LARC 1-800-639-5290

• Public Benefits call LARC 1-800-639-5290 or NHLA: 1-888-353-9944

• All of the above if you are a senior, 60 years or older, call NHLA: 1-888-353-9944.

• Domestic Violence.  If your safety is at risk and you are in imminent danger, call 911 immediately. If you need representation for a domestic violence restraining order call the domestic violence hotline 1-866-644-3574 to complete an application with your local domestic violence crisis center.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy go to www.nhbar.org and click on “For the Public” tab for Pro Bono application.

• Mortgage Foreclosure  Limited assistance is available.  For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, call NHLA at 1-888-353-9944.  For loan modification assistance, go to www.nhbar.org.  Click on “For the Public” tab for foreclosure information page and application.  If no computer access, contact the Legal Advice and Referral Center at 800-639-5290 on Wednesdays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to speak with an advocate.

• Income Tax Disputes  (603) 228-6028

Next Steps

The Pro Bono Program reviews all applications it receives to see if requests fit the Program’s mission and capacity to help.  If the Program accepts a case, there is no guarantee of an attorney referral as the Program relies on the donated services of unpaid volunteers.  Accepted cases may be referred for advice only or other limited legal services.  Clients must stay financially eligible and cooperate with the Program and its volunteers to qualify for continued services.  

Our Sponsors

The Pro Bono Program’s attorney services are provided to qualified clients at no charge.  However, basic operating costs, including office staffing, space, computers and phones, are underwritten by the NH Bar Association, NH Bar Foundation, the Campaign for Legal Services, Legal Services Corporation, United Ways and a variety of special grants.