Law-Related Information

Consumer Information Pamphlets
The PBA's updated pamphlet series on consumer legal issues helps Pennsylvanians understand their rights. The pamphlets, written in layman's terms, address many important legal topics - from child custody and identity theft to traffic violations and buying a home.

Consumer Public Information Campaigns
The PBA launches periodic public education campaigns to help Pennsylvanians learn about important consumer topics. Efforts are coordinated with local bar associations around the state to increase the campaigns' effectiveness.

Credit Counseling Agencies
Agencies that do credit counseling in Pennsylvania are approved by the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. Click here for the current list of agencies approved to do credit counseling in Pennsylvania. In the fall of 2010, the PBA, joined by 33 county bar associations across Pennsylvania, launched a credit rights public education campaign and began distributing a free “Know Your Credit Rights” brochure. The brochure provides information on new federal rules designed to better protect credit card users and to rein in unscrupulous debt-settlement companies. Read the detailed public education campaign announcement. Get a PDF version of the credit rights brochure

Frequently Asked Questions for the Public
Find answers to frequently asked questions about contacting lawyers, working with lawyers and finding services for low-income Pennsylvanians.

Lawyer Referral Service
The PBA Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), covering 45 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, refers callers to lawyers in the counties that do not have their own referral services. There is no charge for contacting the LRS. Participating lawyers agree to grant LRS clients an initial consultation of up to one half-hour for a fee of $30.

Legal Guide for Senior Citizens
This annually-revised guide, developed by the Senior Lawyers Committee of the PBA, provides information about legal issues faced by Pennsylvania's older residents and their caregivers. The information provided helps seniors make appropriate choices so they can maximize personal autonomy, minimize costs, navigate through the maze of government benefits, and protect themselves against predators who want to deceive, exploit or defraud.

Pro Bono Service
The term pro bono, short for pro bono publico, is Latin meaning "for the public good." Pro bono legal service is performed by lawyers without pay to help people with legal problems who have limited or no funds. Contact your county legal services provider for further information or click here for more information on county-based pro bono legal service.