Survey Tracks Misconceptions About Civil Legal Aid

Discover key insights from LSC's survey on civil legal aid misconceptions. As LSC celebrates 50 years of service, explore how public perceptions differ from the realities of legal aid access and effectiveness. Learn more about the truth behind common myths and the impact of legal aid on communities.

Americans Are Misinformed About Civil Legal Aid

The Harris Poll surveyed more than 2,000 American adults about their knowledge of civil legal aid, on behalf of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). Results demonstrate that more than half of Americans (56%) mistakenly believe they are entitled to free legal representation if they cannot afford a lawyer for civil matters, and 18% are unsure. Two out of three Americans ages 18 to 34 said they were entitled to free counsel, a common misconception.

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The Survey: At a Glance

“The lack of awareness among Americans about the resources available to them regarding civil legal matters is concerning and points to how much work still needs to be done to ensure all Americans have access to the legal system. For instance, because many people don’t realize that they are not entitled to free representation for civil legal matters, they may end up in civil court without representation — unable to fight for themselves.”

Ronald S. Flagg

President, Legal Services Corporation

Learn About America's Justice Gap

LSC’s Justice Gap Research advances our commitment to funding civil legal assistance for Americans who would be otherwise unable to afford it. Our research provides high-quality data about the gap between the need for civil legal assistance and its availability in low-income America, used to advance LSC’s advocacy efforts.

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Explore the Justice Gap Research