Funders
History
In 1978, the NH Bar Association created the Pro Bono Referral Program (Pro Bono) to train volunteer attorneys and connect them with clients who needed free legal representation. In 1996, the Legal Advice & Referral Center (LARC) launched as a place for people experiencing economic hardship and civil legal problems to access information about their rights, talk with experienced legal aid advocates, and prepare to represent themselves.
On June 1, 2021, LARC and Pro Bono merged into a new organization, 603 Legal Aid. 603 Legal Aid hosts a central call center for people seeking civil legal aid and maintains a vibrant volunteer recruitment, training and coordination program for attorneys seeking to volunteer their time and expertise.
Partnership with NHLA
New Hampshire Legal Assistance provides high-quality civil legal services to address the legal problems that affect people’s daily survival and most basic needs. These services range from simple legal information and advice to vigorous and thorough representation in all of New Hampshire’s courts. 603 Legal Aid handles intake for NHLA connecting clients to NHLA attorneys and paralegals.
Campaign for Legal Services
The Campaign is a joint fundraising initiative for legal aid in New Hampshire. Financial contributions to the Campaign, through individual charitable contributions from businesses or sponsorships of our events, benefit both 603 Legal Aid and New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
2023-2025 Strategic Plan
Our Shared Vision for Civil Legal Services in New Hampshire. Developed in partnership with New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
The civil legal aid system in New Hampshire will:
Provide civil legal aid and related supports to people who experience economic hardship that threatens their basic human needs
Intentionally drive to dismantle poverty and racism in New Hampshire
Center the needs of and share power with our client communities
Provide responsive, customized services driven by our clients’ unique goals and needs
Be well-known across New Hampshire, specifically seeking to reduce disparities in access to civil legal aid
Be easily accessible by making careful use of methods, tools, and technology
Advocate for a civil legal system that meets the needs of people without legal representation
Engage a wide range of legal professionals of diverse backgrounds, including racial and linguistic diversity, in providing services to our clients