Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that everyone deserves equal access to the justice system regardless of race, gender, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or immigration status. We provide legal assistance, information, and referrals to thousands of people every year. We serve children, seniors, victims of crime and domestic violence, and people and families at risk for housing insecurity and fraud. We also offer some legal services at a reduced fee for individuals who don’t qualify for free legal aid. We also serve individuals in our self-help center who are navigating the legal system as pro se litigants.

Northern Nevada Legal Aid offers a variety of programs to help empower individuals, support families, and strengthen communities including:

• Domestic violence representation of victims in family law matters
• Housing and consumer protection
• Immigration
• Adult guardianship 
• Child advocacy
• Self-help clinic
• Pro bono opportunities
• Senior legal services

If you require assistance in an area of the law not listed above, we still want to hear from you. In many cases, we may still be able to point you in the direction of the best available community resources to fit your needs and qualifications.

We provide free legal aid services on a case-by-case basis for qualifying individuals. In some cases, we may offer reduced fee legal services for other individuals seeking affordable legal services in Washoe County and Northern Nevada. In addition to NNLA, there are other resources that may be available to you. Click here to learn more.

As of October of 2017, Nevada law requires the court to appoint an attorney to represent every child removed from their home due to allegations of abuse or neglect. NNLA Child Advocacy Attorneys serve as those court appointed attorneys and represent hundreds of children, from birth to 18 years old, who are in the custody of Washoe County Department of Human Services and the Nevada Department of Child and Family Services, in dependency proceedings. We also, in some cases, represent children who are under the jurisdiction and protection of a court appointed guardian, individuals seeking to adopt foster children, and those who have aged out of the foster care system. 

Generally, you can find information about court forms and filing procedures on the Second Judicial District Court’s website https://www.washoecourts.com/Main/FormsAndPackets. If you’re having trouble navigating the site, contact NNLA today, and our staff can point you in the direction of appropriate community resources or information.

Have you been searching for a way to impact the lives of Nevada residents positively? We invite you to help Northern Nevada Legal Aid to make a difference in our community. You can help NNLA in various ways, including:

• Donating: Financial contributions help increase our reach and impact for individuals and families who need legal services in Northern Nevada.
• Join Our Team: Are you passionate about helping others to gain equal access to the justice system? If so, check out our job openings here.
• Pro Bono: If you’re an attorney in search of a way to spend your extra time giving back, we want to talk to you. Contact us today for opportunities for pro bono work in Nevada.
• Volunteering: We’re always open to committed volunteers who are ready to contribute to a winning cause.

NNLA is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. We have diverse and reliable funding sources including private and governmental grants, court fees & fines, and private donors, including local attorneys and others in the community who value and support the work we do. 

Our dedicated team at NNLA focuses on providing top-quality legal services to as many people as we can. However, if you believe that WLS has improperly denied you legal services or feel that our service quality was subpar, we want to hear from you. Click here to learn more about our grievance procedure.