Quinnipiac Law
Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program
The Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program provides free information, advice, and limited scope legal assistance to pro se (self-represented) litigants in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. The Program seeks to enhance access to justice and improve the litigation process for pro se litigants.
Program Overview
The Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program is a free service offered by Quinnipiac University School of Law. The Program is staffed by an attorney and law student externs. The Program is not part of, nor run by, the U.S. District Court. The Program’s staff work for Quinnipiac University.
The Program assists litigants who cannot afford an attorney with federal civil cases, including cases involving civil rights, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, labor law, and social security benefits. The Program cannot assist individuals while they are incarcerated but can provide help to litigants once they are released from custody.
Services Include:
- Brief legal counseling.
- Advising litigants about potential federal claims prior to filing suit.
- Interpreting and explaining federal law and procedure.
- Reviewing draft pleadings and correspondence with the Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “limited scope” mean?
“Limited scope” legal assistance means that, even if the Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program attorney may provide you with information, advice, and some legal assistance, they will not be your attorney representing you on your case. You will still act as your own lawyer unless you retain a lawyer on your own.
How do I get help from the Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program?
The Program meets with pro se litigants by appointment. To get help from the Program, call us at (203) 850-7720 and leave a voice message or send an email to federalproselegal@qu.edu with your first and last name, phone number, and federal court docket number (if you have one).
The Program operates at Quinnipiac University School of Law on the North Haven campus. The Program’s mailing address is:
Cat Itaya, Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program
Quinnipiac University School of Law
275 Mount Carmel Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
