Our Mission
To provide free, high-quality civil legal services to people facing legal challenges in New Hampshire through compassionate advocacy, education, and pro bono representation.
Our Vision
A New Hampshire where justice is accessible to all.
Our staff work with volunteer attorneys and community organizations to make justice a reality for and with people experiencing economic hardship that threatens their basic needs.
We help Granite Staters with limited income through free civil legal advice and information by phone, direct representation in court, or referral to a volunteer attorney or another legal aid program. Our central call center connects thousands of people with legal help and resources, backed by a strong volunteer program that recruits, trains, and coordinates legal professionals who want to put their time and expertise to work for justice.
Directors
Ariel R. Clemmer, Esq. – Executive Director
Julia W. Hawthorne, Esq. – Legal Director
Janice Rabchenuk – Pro Bono Director
Gladys M. Vila-Carreras, Esq. – Director of Special Programs
Emma C. Bates – Director of Operations
Funders
603 Legal Aid is funded in part by the following:
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 help. In 1996, the Legal Advice & Referral Center (LARC) launched to help people facing financial hardship with their civil legal problems. LARC gave people information about their rights, connected them with experienced legal aid advocates, and helped them prepare to represent themselves.
On June 1, 2021, LARC and Pro Bono merged into a new organization, 603 Legal Aid (603LA).
Partnership with New Hampshire Legal Assistance
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) 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. 603LA handles intake for NHLA connecting clients to NHLA attorneys and paralegals.
Campaign for Legal Services
The Campaign for Legal Services (CLS) is a joint fundraising effort that supports legal aid in New Hampshire. Donations to CLS from individuals, businesses or event sponsors support both 603LA and NHLA.
Board of Director Meetings
603 Legal Aid’s Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday of every other month. The remaining 2026 meeting dates are as follows: October 15th and December 17th. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form and we will send you the meeting details.