Pine Tree Legal Assistance - Portland Office

Contact Information

Name: Pine Tree Legal Assistance - Portland Office
Address: 88 Federal Street, Portland, ME - 04112
Phone: (207) 774-8211
Fax: (207) 828-2300

Service Information

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is a statewide, non-profit organization committed to providing high quality, free, civil legal assistance to low-income people in Maine. Our mission is to ensure that state and federal laws affecting poor people are enforced while also addressing the systemic barriers to justice that low-income Mainers face. We are committed to ensuring that all Mainers have access to justice. Our services range from simple advice and brief service to negotiations and full representation in the most serious cases. To supplement our limited staff capacity, we also provide user-friendly explanations of the law and self-help tools, provide outreach and community education, and work with entities that serve low income people, including social service providers, members of the private bar and the courts.


By federal rules most Pine Tree services are limited to people with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (and below 125% after deductions, such as housing costs). Some of our programs allow higher incomes. If you dont qualify for our help, we will tell you right away.


The Portland office is open to new walk-in clients on:
Mondays  9 a.m. to noon.
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon.

You can reach us by phone with your new request for help during these hours:
Mondays noon to 3 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to noon (except for the first Tuesday of the month)
Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon


Serving clients in Cumberland, York, and Sagadahoc counties.
Also, you may contact this office for help if you live in:
Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln, or Knox county.

Hours:
  • Monday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Tuesday closed
  • Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Thursday closed
  • Friday closed
  • Saturday closed
  • Sunday closed

Mission Statement: Our mission is to ensure that state and federal laws affecting poor people are upheld, while also addressing the systemic barriers to justice faced by Mainers with low incomes.

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.