The York County Bar Association (YCBA) created the Modest Means program to help moderate to low-income York County residents find affordable legal assistance in the areas of family law, criminal defense and tenant/evictions. Modest Means attorneys have agreed to charge reduced rates to clients referred through this program. 

APPLICATION:  To apply, complete the application form and submit along with the outlined supporting documents.  The application and documents can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or in person by appointment only.  The relevant addresses and numbers are on the application.  

Incomplete applications will not be processed.  DOCUMENTS YOU SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RETURNED.  Please submit copies when appropriate.

ELIGIBILITY:  This is based upon the type of your legal matter, your income/assets in relation to the number in your household, and the availability of Modest Means attorneys. There are a limited number of participating attorneys so be sure to get your application in to us at least one week prior to any deadline. And, even if you qualify, the YCBA cannot guarantee that a Modest Means attorney will be available.

REFERRAL FEE:  You will be contacted by email or phone after your application has been reviewed.  If you qualify for the program, you must pay a $25.00 fee before we will assign an attorney to you. You may pay the fee over the phone by using Visa, Discover or MasterCard, or you may make an appointment to pay in cash. This $25.00 fee provides you an initial 30-minute consultation with the assigned attorney.  You will be responsible for calling the assigned attorney to make an appointment for your consultation.

Whether you hire the attorney to represent you after that consultation is a decision for you and the attorney to make. The YCBA cannot guarantee that a lawyer will take your case.

LEGAL FEES & COSTS:  Modest Means attorneys have agreed to charge $100 per hour and if a retainer (upfront deposit against fees) is required, it will be no more than 60% of their typical amount. The discussion about the fees charged will be a part of the initial consultation.

Important note regarding evictions - the reduced fee will be limited to representation through the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) process only. If you choose to appeal the MDJ decision and wish to continue to work with the same attorney, the attorney is not obligated to the modest means rates during the appeal. Any cases that proceed on appeal to the Court of Common Pleas will be at the attorney’s standard billable rate.