New Hampshire Legal Assistance – Concord, NH

Providing Equal Access to Justice in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) is a distinguished non-profit law firm dedicated to making justice a reality for the state’s most vulnerable residents. Since its founding in 1971, NHLA has been a beacon of hope, offering free, high-quality civil legal services to individuals and families with low income and older adults. The firm’s core mission is to address the effects and root causes of poverty through both direct client representation and systemic advocacy. With a steadfast commitment to protecting basic human needs, NHLA’s team of attorneys and paralegals provide a critical lifeline to thousands of Granite Staters, ensuring that economic hardship does not prevent access to the legal system. They handle cases that are fundamental to safety, stability, and well-being, from preventing homelessness to protecting victims of domestic abuse.

Comprehensive Civil Legal Services for Critical Needs

NHLA focuses its resources on civil legal matters that have a profound impact on the daily lives of its clients. The firm provides expert advice, negotiation, and representation in a wide range of state and federal courts and administrative agencies. This comprehensive approach ensures clients receive robust support for their most pressing legal challenges.

• Housing Law: A primary practice area, NHLA provides vigorous defense for tenants facing eviction, homeowners fighting foreclosure, and individuals dealing with property tax deeding issues or housing discrimination.
• Domestic Violence Lawyers: The firm offers critical legal support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This includes obtaining protective orders and handling related family law matters such as divorce and child custody to ensure victim safety.
• Public Benefits and Consumer Law: NHLA assists clients who have been wrongly denied essential public benefits, including Social Security, disability, and unemployment. They also protect consumers from predatory practices.
• Family Law and Youth Law: Beyond domestic violence cases, the firm provides representation in certain parenting rights and responsibilities matters and advocates for at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice or child protection systems.
• Elder Law: NHLA provides dedicated services for older adults (age 60 and over), addressing a variety of civil legal issues that specifically impact seniors, from benefits and housing to protection from abuse.

A 50-Year Legacy of Advocacy and Impact

For over five decades, New Hampshire Legal Assistance has been a leader in social justice advocacy. Founded through the merger of two smaller legal aid organizations, NHLA has grown into a nationally recognized program with multiple offices across the state. The firm’s work extends beyond individual case representation; they are deeply involved in systemic advocacy, pursuing class-action lawsuits and championing public policy changes that create a more equitable system for all low-income residents. NHLA was instrumental in passing and strengthening state laws that provide critical protections for domestic violence survivors. This dual approach of direct service and systemic reform has created lasting, positive change, preventing homelessness, securing vital benefits, and ensuring safety for countless families across New Hampshire.

Your Partner in Navigating the Legal System

Understanding that the legal system can be intimidating, NHLA is committed to empowering its clients. They provide not only direct representation but also valuable self-help resources and legal information to help people advocate for themselves. NHLA works in close partnership with other legal service organizations, such as 603 Legal Aid, which serves as the central intake point for new applicants. This collaborative ecosystem ensures that people in need can connect with the right resources efficiently. If you are facing a civil legal problem and have limited income, NHLA is a vital resource dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you achieve a safe and stable future.