March 21, 2019
CONCORD, NH,
— The NH Bar Association has unveiled a new web-based service, NH Free Legal Answers (nh.freelegalanswers.org), to give income-eligible users the ability to pose non-criminal legal questions to volunteer attorneys.
“It is an exciting, technology-forward way to broaden opportunities for economically disadvantaged families and individuals to access basic legal information and advice,” said Virginia Martin, Pro Bono Program Director. “At the same time, the system provides a convenient way for private attorneys to give back.”
Users of the service will have to meet income eligibility guidelines and be seeking help with non-emergency, civil legal issues.
“National estimates put underserved legal needs at about 86% for those living at or below the federal poverty line,” Martin said, “despite the best efforts of chronically underfunded legal services programs.”
The New Hampshire service is provided in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers, with several dozen states participating. To date, close to 50,000 questions have been answered by volunteer attorneys around the country.
Attorneys wishing to participate can go to nh.freelegalanswers.org to register.
About the NH Bar Association: The New Hampshire Bar Association (NHBA) is a non-profit 501(c)(6), focused on connecting its members and the public to services and opportunities needed regarding the law.