Colorado Legal Services and Organizations
Clinics in the Denver Metro Area
Clinics in Other Colorado Counties
Legal Aid and Pro bono Legal Services
Finding legal advice can be a daunting task, especially with the rising cost of legal services. This list includes organizations and legal services that are available for people in Colorado. The list is broken down into a number of categories and includes short descriptions to help you determine which organization or service might be available to help you find the legal help you need. Although the information contained on this page was well researched and verified at the time of writing, please note that services, dates, and times may change. Please contact the organization or service you are interested in directly to verify any information found on this page.
Clinics
Legal clinics are information sessions (usually free) where you can meet with an attorney or other legal professional to gain information about a certain area of law. Many clinics give referrals to other agencies or legal organizations that may be able to offer further assistance. There are many free and/or low-cost legal clinics available in Denver and throughout Colorado. Some of the clinics offer one-on-one attention while others are more lecture or group oriented. Many are available in Spanish, or have translators available. Please read through the information about each clinic to decide if it would be right for you. You are strongly encouraged to contact any clinic you are interested in attending to verify services, dates, and times. Some clinics may have restrictions or require you to register prior to attending.
- Colorado Legal Services sponsors a number of legal clinics in different areas of law to help you learn about the legal system and your particular area of interest. Colorado Legal Services also offers free or low-cost legal services to qualifying individuals.
Clinics in the Denver Metro Area
The following Denver Bar Association clinics provide overviews of legal processes and legal forms and are designed for those who want to represent themselves. They are overview only. The volunteer attorneys cannot
- answer specific or detailed questions concerning unique individual circumstances,
- assist in completing specific individual forms,
- provide specific legal advice for individuals, or
- provide individual representation.
The clinics listed below are presented in partnership with the District Court Self-Help Centers. Reservations are not required. Click here for more information about the Denver Bar Association.
Bankruptcy Clinic
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Location: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 721 19th Street, Room 341, Denver, CO 80202
Contact: (303) 860-1115
Description: This clinic is designed for the pro se (do-it-yourself) litigant. They will assist attendees in understanding the bankruptcy process and forms. Topics reviewed include how bankruptcy can eliminate debts, the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the effect on credit ratings, and which forms are required for filing. Issues of creditor harassment, what a collection agent cannot say to you, and how to fight back if you are harassed will also be addressed. The clinics will not provide explicit legal advice nor will they directly assist in completing forms.
Collections Clinic
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Location: Denver City and County Bldg. 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, Rm. 117
Contact: (303) 860-1115
Description: This free informational clinic teaches tips on how to collect a small claims judgment. General questions are welcome but the clinics will not provide explicit legal advice nor will they directly assist in completing forms.
Family Law Court Program (FLCP)
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Description: This free informational clinic provides an overview of the divorce process (with and without children) and related forms. Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing for a divorce without the assistance of an attorney, and will cover divorce procedures and forms, child custody, child support, maintenance, and property division. Participants should bring forms to the clinics (available from the court, court website-click here, or Bradford Publishing). This clinic is informational only and questions are welcomed, but answers are generally confined to options which the individual should consider. These clinics do not provide legal advice or representation nor do they directly assist in completing court forms.
Legal Night at Mi Casa
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Contact: (303) 573-1302
Description: Meet with an attorney free of charge and get information in the areas of Immigration, Credit, Housing, Landlord/Tenant, Employment, and Family Law. Attorneys provide referrals to appropriate agencies. Spanish-speaking attorneys are available.
Legal Night at Centro San Juan Diego
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Location: 2830 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80205
Contact: (303) 295-9470
Description: Meet with an attorney free of charge and get information in the areas of Immigration, Credit, Housing, Landlord/Tenant, Employment, and Family Law. Attorneys provide referrals to appropriate agencies. Spanish interpreters will be available.
Small Claims Clinics
Website: http://www.denbar.org/Public/Legal-Clinics
Location: Denver City and County Bldg. 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, Rm. 117
Contact: (303) 860-1115
Description: This free informational clinic teaches people how to file their own small claims cases in court and how to collect on the judgments. Tips include gathering information, forms (where to get them and how to complete them, filing (how and where), defending your position (what to do and not do), and court procedure. Collections clinics provide tips on how to collect your judgment. General questions are welcome but the clinics will not provide explicit legal advice nor will they directly assist in completing forms.
Other Denver Metro Clinics
Family Law Matters Clinic
Sponsored by Family Tree Women in Crisis
Website: http://www.thefamilytree.org/en/programsaservices/234
Contact: IMPORTANT! In order to attend this clinic, you must reserve a seat. Call a legal advocate at Women in Crisis to reserve a seat at (303) 420-0412.
Description: Family Tree Women in Crisis offers a free legal clinic for victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault where you can get legal information and advice from an attorney regarding most family law questions, including questions regarding divorce proceedings, allocation of parental responsibility (custody), modification of existing orders, civil protection orders, and others.
Free Legal Clinic
Sponsored by Colorado Poverty Law Project
Website: https://www.copovertylawproject.org/
Contact: (303) 293-2217
Description: If you are interested in meeting with an attorney, please arrive at 3:30 pm, sign up, and wait for your name to be called starting at 4:00 pm. Licensed and experienced Denver-area attorneys will be on-site to provide individual counseling and advice on legal matters. Please note that the attorneys providing advice are unaffiliated with the Coalition, and the Coalition takes no responsibility for the quality or accuracy of the advice provided by any of the attorneys. Also, by agreeing to meet with you, the attorneys do not necessarily agree to represent you or provide advice to you on any particular matter.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Sponsored by the University of Denver Graduate Tax Program LITC
Website: http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/low-income-taxpayer-clinic
Contact: (303) 871-6331
Description: The University of Denver Graduate Tax Program Low Income Taxpayer Clinic represents low and moderate taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in audit, appeals, collection issues, and federal tax litigation. Representation is free or for a nominal charge. The clinic is completely independent of and not associated with the IRS. Call the clinic to see if you qualify for services.
Protection (Restraining) Order Clinics
Arapahoe County (Aurora office) – 15400 East 14th Place, Altura Plaza (near Colfax and Chambers) Aurora, CO 80011
Call: (303) 344-9016.
Arapahoe County (Littleton office) – 1790 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120
Call: (303) 344-9016.
Broomfield County – 17 Descombes Dr., Broomfield, CO 80020
Sponsored by Project Safeguard
Call: (303) 637-7761.
Jefferson County – Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Room 1070, Golden, CO 80419
Family Tree, Inc. Temporary Protection Order Clinic
Call: (303) 271-6559
Clinics in other Colorado Counties
Adams County
Protection (Restraining) Orders
Brighton
Location: 1100 Judicial Ctr. Drive, Room 151, Brighton, CO 80601
Call: (303) 637-7761
Boulder County
Dissolution of Marriage Orientation
Boulder
Website: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=20&Page_ID=519
Description: A video presentation will take place for the first 1/2 hour; the 20th Judicial District Family Court Facilitator will be available to answer questions for the 2nd 1/2 hour. Legal advice cannot be provided. Forms packets are available at the Clerk of Court office. Please bring your packet of forms with you.
Longmont
Website: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=20&Page_ID=519
Description: A video presentation will take place for the first 1/2 hour; the 20th Judicial District Family Court Facilitator will be available to answer questions for the 2nd 1/2 hour. Legal advice cannot be provided. Forms packets are available at the Clerk of Court office. Please bring your packet of forms with you.
Douglas County
Pro Se Divorce and Post-Decree Clinic
Contact: Call (303) 663-7266 for info.
Description: The Douglas County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is a free clinic for parties who have no attorney and are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation, or Post-Decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome, and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are also available. The Pro Se Clinic is informational only, and is not a substitute for legal representation. The Clinic’s volunteer attorneys do not represent you by virtue of their participation in this clinic. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time during your case and are advised to do so. Pro Se litigants will be assisted with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree issues. Questions about protection orders and domestic violence issues are also welcome.
Elbert County
Pro Se Divorce and Post-Decree Clinic
Contact: (303) 520-6088 or morgan@hayday.org to schedule an appointment for Pro Se assistance.
Description: The Elbert & Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is a free clinic for parties who have no attorney and are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation, or Post-Decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are also available. The Pro Se Clinic is informational only and is not a substitute for legal representation. The Clinic attorneys do not represent you by virtue of their participation in this clinic. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time during your case and are advised to do so. Pro Se litigants will be assisted with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree issues. Questions about protection orders and domestic violence issues are also welcome.
Clinic for Domestic Violence Victims
Contact: (303) 621-2701 to set up an appointment or come to the clinic to be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Description: This free clinic teams a social worker from the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center with a volunteer attorney to assist with legal and other support needs for the victims of domestic violence. Elbert County and Lincoln County residents are served.
El Paso County
Divorce Clinic
Contact: (719) 471-0380
Description: Help in filing for divorce. Clients must call (719) 471-0380 before the clinic, be screened for eligibility and conflicts and complete an intake form. Clinic conducted by Colorado Legal Services – Colorado Springs office.
Garfield County
Free Legal Clinics
Contact: (970) 945-8858
Description: Free 15-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys on legal questions regarding issues with family and children, housing, bankruptcy, consumer issues, and more. For low-income residents. No consultations for traffic or criminal matters. Many individuals who work in Pitkin County/Aspen, but reside down valley take advantage of this service. Spanish translator available.
Pro Se Divorce Clinic
Contact: (970) 945-8858
Description: This clinic is an overview of a simple divorce process. Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing without hiring an attorney. The clinic is informational. It covers procedures and forms.
Donation suggested: $50 per person; $75 per couple. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Gunnison County.
Contact: 1 (800) 521-6968
Description: Free 15-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys on legal questions regarding issues with family and children, housing, bankruptcy, consumer issues, and more. For low-income residents. No consultations for traffic or criminal matters. Spanish translator available.
Lincoln County
Contact: (303) 520-6088 or morgan@hayday.org to schedule an appointment for Pro Se assistance.
Description: The Elbert & Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is a free clinic for parties who have no attorney and are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation, or Post-Decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are also available. The Pro Se Clinic is informational only and is not a substitute for legal representation. The Clinic attorneys do not represent you by virtue of their participation in this clinic. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time during your case and are advised to do so. Pro Se litigants will be assisted with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree issues. Questions about protection orders and domestic violence issues are also welcome.
Clinic for Domestic Violence Victims
Contact: (303) 621-2701 to set up an appointment or come to the clinic to be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Description: This free clinic teams a social worker from the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center with a volunteer attorney to assist with legal and other support needs for the victims of domestic violence. Elbert County and Lincoln County residents are served.
Mesa County
Family Law Clinic
Contact: (970) 243-7940 × 108 to register or register online at www.probonomc.org
Description: The Pro Bono Project of Mesa County is sponsoring an evening Family Law Clinic to assist you in completing Dissolution and Custody do-it-yourself court forms. The packets will be furnished at the clinic. The cost is $25 or 7 hours of Approved Community Service. Se habla español.
Dissolution of Marriage
(For married individuals with children)
Sponsored by Pro Bono Project of Mesa County, Inc.
Contact: (970) 243-7940 × 108 to register or register online at www.probonomc.org
Description: Class is limited to 12 people. Please register early. Colorado Legal Services Staff will help with do-it-yourself court forms. $25 fee payable day of clinic or 7 hours of Approved Community Service.
Dissolution of Marriage
(For married individuals without children)
Sponsored by Pro Bono Project of Mesa County, Inc.
Contact: (970) 243-7940 × 108 to register or register online at www.probonomc.org
Description: Class is limited to 12 people. Please register early. Colorado Legal Services Staff will help with do-it-yourself court forms. $25 fee payable day of clinic or 7 hours of Approved Community Service.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Clinic – Do It Yourself
Contact: (970) 243-7940 × 110 to register
Description: A free clinic is being offered to outline the steps to follow when filing a Chapter 7 (personal) bankruptcy. This clinic is for low-income and moderate-income debtors who will qualify. To see whether you qualify to attend this clinic, you must fill out a Bankruptcy Application through Colorado Legal Services. Please call (970) 243-7940 ext. 110 or come by 200 N 6th St. Ste. 203 to obtain an application. You will receive a letter from CLS indicating whether you qualify. If you qualify and plan to attend the clinic, you must then call (970) 243-7940 ext. 110 to register. If you do not register, you will not be able to attend because space is limited. The speaker, Carol Viner, is an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law.
Modification/Contempt Clinic
Contact: (970) 243-7940 × 108 to register. Applicants must meet federal guidelines for low income. Applicants must complete an application with Colorado Legal Services at 200 N 6th St Ste. 203 BEFORE the date of the clinic. Please bring copies of all court orders. Applicants will be called with their appointment times prior to the clinic.
Description: Attorney assistance in completion of Do It Yourself court forms for:
1. Parenting time modifications (except change of primary residential parent)
2. Parenting time enforcement
3. Motions to relocate
4. Motions to restrict parenting time
5. Contempt issues
Court cases MUST be in Mesa County and applicant MUST be a resident of Mesa County.
Allocation of Parental Responsibility (Custody)
(NOT for Divorcing Persons, Adoption, Guardianship, or for Changing a Court Order)
Contact: (970) 2437-940 × 108 to register or register online at www.probonomc.org
Description: This clinic is limited to 12 people. Please register early. Colorado Legal Services Staff will help with do-it-yourself custody court forms. Requires $25 fee payable day of clinic or 7 hours of Approved Community Service completed before clinic date.
Montrose County
Free Legal Advice Night
Sponsored by the 7th Judicial Bar Association and Uncompahgre Volunteer Legal Aid
Contact: (970) 249-7202 for more information
Description: Talk with a lawyer free program is for low-income residents who need answers to civil legal questions. No criminal or traffic cases may be discussed. Call in advance if an interpreter is needed. Bring all of your paperwork and questions.
Pro Se Divorce Clinic
Sponsored by Colorado Legal Services and Uncompahgre Legal Aid
Contact: (970) 249-7202 Call to register and complete application in advance!
Description: This clinic is an overview of a simple divorce process. Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing without hiring an attorney. The clinic is informational. It covers procedures and forms. Free to eligible low-income individuals; $25 for others. Please call in advance if an interpreter is needed.
Pro Se Parental Responsibility Clinic (Custody)
Modification of Parenting Time
Sponsored by Colorado Legal Services and Uncompahgre Legal Aid
Modifications of parenting time in the afternoon by appointment only and for low-income only
Contact: (970) 249-7202 to register and complete an application in advance.
Description: Parental responsibility (custody) means the power to make important decisions in relation to a child. Focus is on the parents’ duties towards their child rather than the parents’ rights over their child. It’s free and available to low income eligible. Please call in advance if an interpreter is needed.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Clinic – Do It Yourself
Sponsored by Colorado Legal Services and Uncompahgre Legal Aid
Contact: (970) 249-7202 to register
Description: A free clinic is being offered to outline the steps to follow when filing a Chapter 7 (personal) bankruptcy. This clinic is for low-income debtors who qualify*. The speaker, Carol Viner, is an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law.
*To see whether you qualify to attend this clinic, you must fill out a Bankruptcy Application through the Uncompahgre Volunteer Legal Aid (UVLA). Please call (970) 249-7202 to obtain an application. You will receive a letter from CLS indicating whether you qualify. If you qualify and plan to attend the clinic, you must then call (970) 249-7202 to register. If you do not register for the class you will not be able to attend because space is limited.
Pitkin County
Free Legal Clinic
Date: Second Thursday of every month
Location: Pitkin County Courthouse, 506 E. Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Contact: (970) 920-2828
Description: Volunteer lawyers in Pitkin County are available for a fifteen minute private consultation on civil matters each month. On average, approximately 10 low income clients from the community are served each month.
Do It Yourself Divorce Class
Contact: (970) 920-2828
Description: This clinic is an overview of a simple divorce process. Volunteer attorneys provide information on filing without hiring an attorney. The clinic is informational. It covers procedures and forms.
Donation suggested: $50 per person; $75 per couple. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Summit County
Free Legal Services Clinic
Contact: Please call 1 (800) 521-6968 for information about services.
Weld County
Bankruptcy
Contact: (970) 351-7300 ext. 4514
Description: Weld County Legal Services will be conducting seminars every month to provide education for those individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The seminar on filing for bankruptcy will be presented by Joseph Bodine, Attorney-at-Law.
Call a Lawyer
Sponsored by Weld County Legal Services, Inc.
Contact: (970) 351-7300 × 4514
Description: Local attorneys will be answering calls from the public. A Spanish-speaking attorney or an interpreter will be available. If you have a legal problem, or if you’re not sure and need to ask someone, you can talk to an attorney at no charge by calling.
Do It Yourself Divorce – Custody Clinic
Sponsored by Weld County Legal Services, Inc.
Contact: (970) 310-8367 Please call to pre-register!
Description: YOU MUST BRING THE PRO SE DIVORCE PACKET WITH YOU! PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO THIS CLINIC. The Pro Se Divorce Packets may be purchased at the Clerk’s Office on the first floor of the Centennial Center, 915 10th St., Greeley. The cost, payable in cash or by credit card only, is $15 if there are no minor children of the marriage, or $20 if there are minor children of the marriage. You must purchase a packet prior to the clinic and bring it and a pencil with you to the clinic. Please make a photocopy of the Petition, Summons, Decree, and Support Order (if there are children of the marriage) so that you can take notes on the photocopy. A court clerk and/or attorney will be at the clinic to provide general information and to instruct you on how to complete and file the forms in the dissolution of marriage packet. There is no charge for the clinic.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Clinic
Contact: (970) 351-7300 ext 4514. Please call for more information.
Legal Aid and Pro bono Legal Services
There are many organizations that provide no-cost or low-cost legal services to Colorado residents. Each organization provides a slightly different type of service. Please contact each organization directly to see if you qualify.
Colorado Innocence Project
The Colorado Innocence Project (CIP) receives requests for help from people who believe they have been convicted despite being innocent of any offense, and evaluates these claims to see if there are factual and legal grounds to get back into court with the claims. When the CIP learns of a case that appears deserving of further investigation, the case is referred for further evaluation to volunteer lawyers, who may be assisted by Colorado Law students. For more information, call (303) 492-4620 or email coloradoinnocenceproject@colorado.edu.
Click here to visit the CIP’s website.
Colorado Legal Services
Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is a non-profit corporation that has assisted persons with low income and seniors in the State of Colorado for over 75 years. The mission of Colorado Legal Services is to provide meaningful access to high quality, civil legal services in the pursuit of justice for as many low-income persons and members of vulnerable populations throughout Colorado as possible. Call (303) 837-1321 for more information or click here for a directory of CLS offices and other organizations offering pro bono or low-cost legal services.
Colorado Legal Services.org
ColoradoLegalServices.org is an online guide to free civil legal services for low-income persons and seniors in Colorado. Here you can locate information on all of the free legal aid programs in Colorado, including basic eligibility and contact information. They also have links to related sites on the web and legal education documents that give you basic information on a number of legal problems. Click here to access information on a number of legal topics including Housing, Elder Law, Government Benefits, Immigration, Consumer Issues, and Family Law.
Colorado Legal Services-Migrant Farm Workers Division
This division of the Colorado Legal Services organization provides free legal assistance for non-criminal issues to low income people throughout Colorado. This division focuses on representing agricultural workers who have issues involving:
- Wages (failure to pay wages, failure to pay the minimum wage, failure to provide time records)
- Housing (conditions)
- Immigration (family and citizenship petitions, removal representation)
- Civil Rights (access to services, discrimination in employment/housing, police misconduct)
-
Public Benefits (food stamps, social security, workers’ compensation)
For more information, call the main line of the Colorado Legal Services at (303) 866-9366 or toll-free at (800) 864-4330 or click here to access the Migrant Farm Workers Division website.
Colorado State Public Defender
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides representation for indigent individuals who are charged with the commission of a crime in Colorado. Call (303) 764-1400 or click here, to access Public Defender’s website.
Law Line 9 – Call from Anywhere in Colorado
9 News and the Denver Bar Association sponsor “Law Line 9” every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. You can call (303) 698-0999 and ask an attorney your questions.
The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People
The Legal Center is an independent public interest non-profit specializing in civil rights and discrimination issues. They protect the human, civil and legal rights of people with mental and physical disabilities, people with HIV, and older people throughout Colorado. Call (303) 722-0300 for more information or click here to access the Legal Center’s website.
Metro Volunteer Lawyers
Metro Volunteer Lawyers (MVL) is a staffed department of the Denver Bar Association. It serves poor and near-poor citizens of seven Metro Denver Counties. Call (303) 837-1313 to see if you qualify or click here for more information.
If you live in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, or Jefferson County, you are within MVL’s service area. You MUST first call the Denver office of Colorado Legal Services, at (303) 837-1313 to get help.
- Members of the CLS staff will conduct a telephone intake interview with you to determine whether you are financially eligible, and whether your case is the kind MVL can take.
- If you are eligible for assistance, CLS will send MVL the information you provide in the intake process. Then, an MVL staff member will work to find you a volunteer lawyer to represent you, and you will be contacted by MVL staff or that lawyer.
- Each volunteer attorney will also have to conduct an interview with clients referred to them and perform conflict checks prior to agreeing to represent anyone. Once an attorney agrees to represent you, he or she will most likely ask you to sign a statement of understanding regarding the scope of the representation that they will provide.
- Qualifying for pro bono legal services through MVL does not guarantee the provision of legal services. Any client can decline to be represented by any attorney and any attorney can decline to represent any client.
Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center
The Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center (RMCLC) was founded in 1981 to address the lack of quality legal representation for abused and neglected children in Colorado. The Center’s programs include foster parent representation, dependency and neglect representation, crisis calls, domestic violence advocacy. Call (303) 692-1165 for more information or click here to visit RMCLC’s website.
University of Colorado Law School Clinics
Colorado Law School clinics provide legal services to many community members who could not otherwise hire an attorney. The school sponsors the following clinics: American Indian Law Clinic, Appellate Advocacy Clinic, Civil Practice Clinic, Criminal Defense Clinic, Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Juvenile Law Clinic, Natural Resources Law Clinic, Technology Law and Policy Clinic. Click here or call (303) 492-8126 to learn more about Colorado Law clinics.