Legal aid lawyers in Auckland

671 lawyers at 549 firms in Auckland can take legal aid cases. Their phone numbers are below. Legal aid helps pay for a lawyer if you can't afford one.

Not sure where to start? Read what to do first below, or call the Ministry of Justice legal aid line on 0800 253 425 (free, weekdays 8am to 5pm).

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Every lawyer on the Ministry of Justice list

Checked 12 October 2026

What to do first

If you've been charged

Apply for legal aid as soon as you're charged. Don't wait for your first day in court.
On your first day in court, ask for the duty lawyer. It's free, and they can help you apply for legal aid.
For most charges, the Ministry chooses your legal aid lawyer. For very serious charges (more than 10 years in prison), you can choose your own.

Read the full guide →

If it's a family matter

Find a family legal aid lawyer first. Call a few from the list until one can take your case.
Your lawyer helps you apply for legal aid. Bring details of your income, savings, debts and anything you own.
Bring any letters or court papers about your case, and your partner's income details if you have a partner.

Read the full guide →

If it's a civil matter

Civil legal aid can cover things like ACC, problems at work, money and housing disputes.
Find a civil legal aid lawyer first. Fewer lawyers do this work, so start calling early.
Your lawyer helps you apply for legal aid.

Read the full guide →

Legal aid in Auckland at a glance

445 lawyers can take criminal legal aid cases, including the most serious charges (level 4 of 4).
250 lawyers work as duty lawyers, the free help at court on your first day.
164 lawyers give free advice to people held by the police.
209 lawyers can take family legal aid cases, and 129 give family legal advice.
114 lawyers can take civil legal aid cases, such as ACC or employment.
Some also take mental health (46), refugee and immigration (26), Māori Land Court (8), Waitangi Tribunal (36) cases.
Languages other than English: Samoan (4), Spanish (4), Arabic (3), French (3), Hindi (3), Mandarin (3), Cantonese (2), Korean (2), Tongan (2), Urdu (2), Afrikaans (1), Croatian (1), Farsi (1), German (1), Gujarati (1), Kurdish (1), Malay (1), Pijin (1), Punjabi (1), Saraiki (1), Sinhala (1), Taiwanese (1), Te Reo Māori (1).

Free help near Auckland

Free legal advice

Auckland CBD Community Law

Auckland CBD office · In Auckland

(09) 377 9449

Free legal help from lawyers, for people who can't afford one. Contact details and clinics

Free advice and forms

CAB Central Auckland

Auckland City Library, 44-46 Lorne St, Auckland CBD

In Auckland

09 302 3676

Walk in, call or email. They can help you understand forms and find the right service.

Duty lawyer

Auckland District Court

65–69 Albert Street, Auckland

In Auckland

0800 268 787

On your first day in court, ask at reception for the duty lawyer. It's free if you don't have a lawyer.

Nearest by distance from the centre of Auckland. Checked 5 October 2026. Offices sometimes move, so call before you go.