Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic

Contact Information

Name: Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic
Address: 246 Deering Avenue, Portland, ME - 04102
Phone: (877) 780-2522
Fax:

Service Information

The Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, a program of the University of Maine School of Law, is a small legal services provider, in which clients are represented by "student attorneys," law students specially licensed by the state and federal courts to provide legal services to low-income clients. The student attorneys practice under the supervision of fully-licensed attorney faculty members.


The Clinic represents low-income individuals with legal cases in Southern Maine courts (Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin counties) for most kinds of civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law matters. The Clinic represents clients at both the trial and appellate levels. The Clinic asks clients to pay a $10 administrative fee. In some cases, clients may be asked to pay court and other significant costs. The Clinic does not otherwise charge for its services.


Because our resources are very limited, the Clinic cannot accept every case that meets our eligibility requirements. Therefore, we determine whether to accept a case based upon other factors, such as the availability of assistance from other legal services providers, the clients need for legal representation in the matter, the type of legal issue presented, and the potential learning experience for the students.


If you are seeking legal help from the Clinic, you can call us between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to see if we have any current openings:


207.780.4370 (Greater Portland area)

877.780.2522 (toll free, outside of Greater Portland area)


We cannot give legal advice or information over the phone. We do not provide services on a "walk-in" basis. We do not maintain a waiting list of potential clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal advice and assistance given to those who cannot afford the services of an attorney.

2. Who is eligible for legal aid?

The eligibility requirements for legal aid vary depending on the country or state, but generally, those who have limited income and cannot afford the services of a lawyer are eligible for legal aid.

3. How can I apply for legal aid?

To apply for legal aid, you can either visit your local legal aid office or access their website to fill out an application form. You will be required to provide information on your income and assets, as well as the legal issue you need assistance with.

4. What types of legal issues are covered by legal aid?

Legal aid covers a wide range of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, employment law, housing, consumer law, and immigration law.

5. Can I choose my lawyer with legal aid?

In some cases, you may be able to choose your lawyer with legal aid. However, in most cases, the lawyer assigned to you by legal aid will depend on their availability and expertise in the area of law your case involves.

6. How much does legal aid cost?

Legal aid is either free or offered at a reduced cost, depending on your income and assets.

7. What documents do I need to provide for legal aid?

When applying for legal aid, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, such as bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits.

8. Is legal aid available for international cases?

Legal aid is only available for cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the country or state offering legal aid services.

9. Can I appeal a decision made by legal aid?

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by legal aid, you may have the right to appeal the decision. This may involve filling out an appeal form or attending a hearing.

10. How can I find a legal aid office in my area?

You can find a legal aid office in your area by searching online or contacting your local bar association.