Rhode Island Legal Services
Last updated August 2026
Rhode Island Legal Services, reached at helprilaw.org, provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. It calls itself the state's major law firm for low-income people with civil legal problems, and it represents clients in state and federal trial and appeal courts. To ask for help, call the office at 401-274-2652 or the toll-free line at 1-800-662-5034, or use the online intake application.
This is civil help, not criminal defense. The most common matters are family issues, housing, employment, government benefits, and consumer disputes, and many clients come during a crisis. If you need a criminal defense lawyer, this is not the office for that, but for a civil problem it may be the right first call.
Housing cases are a core focus, and they move fast. The office's basic priorities are to make sure low-income people have food, shelter, income, medical care, and freedom from domestic violence. Because an eviction can move quickly through court, call as soon as you get a notice or court paper rather than waiting.
Help is income-based. As a program that serves low-income residents, RILS applies income guidelines, so the surest way to learn whether you qualify is to start intake rather than assume you earn too much.
You can reach the firm in more than one way. The main office is at 56 Pine Street, Fourth Floor, in Providence, and you can call 401-274-2652, call toll-free at 1-800-662-5034, or apply through the online intake form. Bring any court papers you have received so intake staff can see the deadline you are facing.
Move fast and stack help. Call the day a notice arrives, and dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear a balance before a case escalates.
Phone 401-274-2652
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Rhode Island residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income guidelines apply
- Housing and eviction cases move fast, so call as soon as you get a court notice
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
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Call 401-274-2652, or the toll-free line at 1-800-662-5034, to reach intake.
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Or use the online intake application at helprilaw.org.
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If you face eviction, call as soon as you get a notice or court paper.
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Have any court documents ready so staff can see your deadline.
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Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear a balance while your case is handled.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Rhode Island?
Call Rhode Island Legal Services at 401-274-2652 or the toll-free line at 1-800-662-5034, or use the online intake application at helprilaw.org.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil matters, most often family issues, housing and eviction, employment, government benefits, and consumer disputes. They do not handle criminal defense.
Do I have to be low-income?
Yes. The program serves low-income residents and applies income guidelines. Starting intake is the way to learn whether you qualify.
Why should I act fast on an eviction?
Housing and eviction cases move quickly through court, so call as soon as you get a notice or court paper.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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