Discounted Lawyers Through the Modest Means Program
The Berks County Bar Association's Modest Means Program matches people who earn too much to qualify for Legal Aid with an active, qualified Berks County attorney who will represent them at a discounted rate. The program is meant for people who are served neither by the existing legal aid system nor by lawyers in private practice. Attorneys who serve on the Bar Association's lawyer referral panel must be licensed and actively engaged in the practice of law in Berks County, in good standing with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct.
People eligible for the Modest Means Program are those whose total income exceeds legal aid standards by 75%. Those figures vary as legal aid standards change, and the dollar amounts are not printed.
The program offers representation, contingent on an income screening, for these kinds of cases: - Unemployment Compensation Claims - Landlord-Tenant, on behalf of the Tenant, under a Residential Lease - Child Support - Child Custody - Defense of Credit Card and Collection Matters - Bankruptcy - Protection from Abuse (PFA) - Residential Lease/Rental Purchase (Rent-to-Own) Review - Defense of Residential Foreclosure Cases - Divorce (Uncontested) - Estate Planning - Traffic Violations
To see if you qualify, contact MidPenn Legal Services for an income screening. MidPenn's number is 1-800-326-9177. When and where that screening happens is not stated.
The Berks County Bar Association can answer general questions about finding a lawyer at 610-375-4591 or info@berksbar.org. Its office is at 544 Court Street, P.O. Box 1058, Reading, PA 19603. The Bar Association does not directly employ attorneys or provide free legal advice; it matches you with an attorney who is conveniently located and qualified to handle your legal matter.
What the discounted rate is, and what you would end up paying the attorney, is not stated, so ask when you are screened.
Source: berksbar.org, read October 30, 2026.
The details
In Berks County Bar Association’s words
If you're an individual who does not meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for Legal Aid, you may still be able to receive legal representation from an active and qualified Berks County attorney at a discounted rate through the Modest Means Program. The program seeks to serve a segment of the population in need of legal services that is neither serviced by the existing legal aid system or lawyers in private practice. The Modest Means Program offers representation, contingent on a income…
Organization
Berks County Bar Association
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from berksbar.org. Last recorded review: October 30, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.