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Resources for human services workers

 

There is an abundance of resources in Massachusetts for people who are trying to help other people solve a legal problem. You do not need the answer to the problem. You just need to know where to look. In fact, only a lawyer is allowed to give legal advice. You can help people find information by using the following resources:

If you are reading this, you have started at the right place - MassLegalHelp.org, where you can find practical, easy to understand information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.

Your local public library

Do not forget your local Public Library! Ask your local public librarian in person, by telephone, email or online about how to get your research started, and where to find the right legal materials. Find the public library in your community.

MassLegalServices.org

Find trainings and events where you can learn more about how the law affects your clients on the MassLegalServices webpage Upcoming Trainings for Poverty Law and Social Services Advocates. Use the library to find more extensive material about laws affecting low-income Massachusetts residents. Read the Advocacy Guides to get a good, thorough picture on a particular topic.

Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries

The Trial Court Law Libraries are open to the public.

Lawyers

Only lawyers are legally allowed to give legal advice. If the person you are trying to help needs a lawyer, they may be able to get free legal services.

There are also a number of lawyer referral services across the state. These services can help the person you are trying to help get the legal advice he or she needs. Sometimes the lawyer referral service can even give brief advice over the phone.

More resources

  1. Download and print a poster you can put in your waiting room.
  2. Download and print bookmarks you can give clients who need legal information. Or contact us and we may able to send you some bookmarks to distribute.

Find Legal Aid

You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. Or email a question about your own legal problem to a lawyer.

Ask a Law Librarian

If it's
Monday-Friday
between
9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm