Our firm does offer payment arrangments, in certain cases, for clients who need a little bit of time to get their funds together. For those clients who need it, we will work with you, as much as we can, to see if a feasible payment arrangement can be made – one that will work for you, in your particular situation.

In criminal matters, the state will appoint a public defender to you, through CPCS, if you meet the income requirements. While most people do not want a public defender, many of the public defenders take their jobs very seriously. In fact, CPCS is made up largely of private practitioners, who take cases for the organization. In these cases, the client ends up with a private attorney.

Of course, it doesn’t always work out well. If you don’t meet the minimum income requirements, you will have to hire your own counsel. Also, even if you do meet the income requirements, you have no choice over which attorney is assigned to represent you.

In civil matters, there are a number of programs. There is the “Lawyer for a Day” program, where attorneys provide limited counsel to members of the public who are unable to hire counsel. This help is very limited though, in that the attorney does not actually represent you or even go into court with you. Instead, they can answer your questions and offer you some general guidance as to how you should proceed, with your case.

Finally, most law firms and/or attorneys do a limited amount of pro bono work, each year. Hoffman Law does this as well. Occasionally, we take cases, on a pro bono basis. This means that the client does not pay. It is a form of charity and a way to give back to the community. If you are in dire straits, reside in the state of Massachusetts, and sorely need legal representation, you are welcome to to contact us via email, with a description of your situation, to see if we are able to take your case on a pro bono basis.