Legal Resources Directory: Find Help by Topic
Comprehensive directory of official government legal resources, legal aid organizations, and helplines for the United States and Canada. Find the right help for your specific legal situation.
Disclaimer: This directory provides links to official resources for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For specific legal issues, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Criminal Law
United States
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal criminal law enforcement, prosecutions, and legal information
Federal Courts - Criminal Cases
Information about federal criminal proceedings and your rights
Public Defender Services
Contact your state or county public defender's office if you cannot afford an attorney
Canada
Justice Canada - Criminal Justice
Federal criminal justice information and victim services
Legal Aid Canada
Provincial and territorial legal aid for criminal defense
Family Law
United States
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Child support services and enforcement
HHS - Family Support Programs
Federal family assistance programs and resources
State Family Courts
Search for your state's family court resources for divorce, custody, and support matters
Canada
Justice Canada - Family Law
Federal family law information including divorce, child support, and custody
Provincial Family Courts
Contact your provincial family court for local resources and services
Employment Law
United States
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
File discrimination complaints, understand your workplace rights
Department of Labor - Worker Rights
Wages, hours, safety, leave, and other workplace protections
OSHA - Workplace Safety
Report unsafe working conditions, file safety complaints
National Labor Relations Board
Union rights, collective bargaining, unfair labor practices
Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada
Federal labor standards and employment programs
Canadian Human Rights Commission
File discrimination complaints, understand human rights protections
Provincial Employment Standards
Check your provincial employment standards office for wage, hours, and workplace protections
Housing & Tenant Rights
United States
HUD - Tenant Rights
Fair housing, tenant protections, rental assistance programs
File Housing Discrimination Complaint
Report housing discrimination violations online
State Tenant Rights
Search for your state's tenant rights handbook and landlord-tenant laws
Canada
Provincial Landlord-Tenant Boards
Contact your provincial tribunal (e.g., Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, BC Residential Tenancy Branch)
CMHC - Housing Information
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation resources for renters and homeowners
Consumer Protection
United States
Federal Trade Commission - File Complaint
Report fraud, scams, identity theft, unfair business practices
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
File complaints about financial products and services
State Consumer Protection Offices
Contact your state attorney general's consumer protection division
Canada
Government of Canada - Consumer Affairs
Federal consumer protection resources and complaint mechanisms
Competition Bureau Canada
Report misleading advertising, anti-competitive practices, scams
Provincial Consumer Protection
Contact your provincial consumer protection office for local assistance
Immigration
United States
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Visa applications, green cards, naturalization, immigration forms
Immigration Court Pro Bono Services
Free and low-cost immigration legal services
Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Immigration applications, permanent residence, citizenship, refugee claims
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Immigration appeals and refugee hearings
Civil Rights
United States
DOJ Civil Rights Division
File civil rights complaints, report discrimination violations
ADA.gov - Disability Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act information and complaints
Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
File human rights complaints for federally regulated activities
Provincial Human Rights Commissions
Contact your provincial human rights tribunal for discrimination complaints
General Legal Aid
United States
Legal Services Corporation - Find Legal Aid
Locate free legal services in your area based on income eligibility
ABA Free Legal Help
Find lawyer referral services, legal aid, and pro bono programs by state
USA.gov - Legal Aid and Lawyers
Government directory of legal assistance resources
Canada
Legal Aid in Canada
Find provincial and territorial legal aid plans
Canadian Bar Association - Find a Lawyer
Lawyer referral services across Canada
Important Reminders
- • Act quickly: Many legal issues have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations)
- • Document everything: Keep records of dates, communications, and evidence
- • Seek help early: Early legal advice can prevent problems from getting worse
- • Verify credentials: Always confirm lawyers are licensed through bar associations
- • Free help exists: Legal aid and pro bono services are available if you qualify