Louisiana

Louisiana Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Louisiana. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS)

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in southeastern Louisiana, covering housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Acadiana Legal Service Corporation

Offers free legal help to low-income residents in the Acadiana and southwest Louisiana region.

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Louisiana Civil Justice Center

Provides free legal information and representation to low-income residents in the greater New Orleans area.

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Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in 22 parishes of southeast Louisiana.

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Acadiana Legal Service Corporation

Serves low-income residents in southwest Louisiana with free legal help in housing, family, and benefits matters.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Louisiana is the court of last resort with seven justices. Five Courts of Appeal handle intermediate appeals. District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 42 judicial districts. Louisiana uniquely uses a civil law system based on the Napoleonic Code rather than common law. City Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts handle minor matters.

Key State Laws & Protections

Louisiana Civil Code (Landlord-Tenant)

Unique civil law provisions governing leases under the Louisiana Civil Code, including obligations of lessor and lessee, distinct from common law landlord-tenant principles.

Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sickle cell trait, pregnancy, age, and disability under La. R.S. 23:301.

Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law

Prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices under La. R.S. 51:1401, with private right of action and treble damages.

Louisiana Community Property Law

Marital property is community property shared equally by spouses, significantly affecting divorce and estate proceedings.

Louisiana Civil Code Tenant Rights

Unique civil law system governing landlord-tenant relations under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668-2729, with specific rules for lease terms and repairs.

Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law

Prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sickle cell trait, and pregnancy.

Bar Association

Louisiana State Bar Association
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at 1-800-310-7029 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Louisiana DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-888-411-1333

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Louisiana Criminal Justice Reform (2025)

Continued implementation of sentencing reforms and expanded parole eligibility for non-violent offenders.

Hurricane Recovery Legal Assistance (2025)

Ongoing legal aid programs assisting residents with insurance claims, FEMA disputes, and contractor fraud from recent hurricanes.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 1 year

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 10 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 1 year

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 1 year (3 years from discovery)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 1 year

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $35-$80 (claims up to $5,000 in Justice of the Peace Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$350

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$300

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in 22 parishes in southeastern Louisiana.

Visit Website →

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation

Serves 35 parishes in southwest and central Louisiana with free legal help in housing, family, and benefits.

Visit Website →

Louisiana Civil Justice Center

Provides legal information and referral services across Louisiana for those who cannot afford an attorney.

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State Bar Resources

Louisiana State Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 421-4661

Pro Bono: Louisiana Access to Justice Program and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services pro bono projects.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Louisiana

Louisiana has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Louisiana, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Louisiana-specific details.
Louisiana allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Louisiana sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Louisiana minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Louisiana sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Louisiana.