A more thorough explanation:

A legal aid society is an organization that helps people who cannot afford legal assistance. It is usually sponsored by the local bar association's donations and sometimes with some local governmental financial support. The society examines the assets and income of the applicant, decides if the person has a legitimate need for legal services, gives counseling, provides mediation, prepares simple documents, and if absolutely necessary gives free legal assistance from a panel of volunteer attorneys.

For example, if someone is facing eviction from their home but cannot afford a lawyer, they can go to a legal aid society for help. The society will examine their financial situation and determine if they qualify for assistance. If they do, the society may provide counseling, mediation, or even free legal representation.

Legal aid societies are most prevalent in larger cities but exist throughout the country. They do not usually provide assistance in criminal cases because indigent defendants are constitutionally entitled to representation by a public defender or appointed private counsel paid by the government. Some societies provide referral services to help a person find a suitable attorney, but normally referral is made by the local bar association.