Find an Attorney or Legal Aid
JustOwed is a self-help software platform — we do not provide legal advice or representation. If you need legal help with unpaid wages or unpaid contract work, the resources below can connect you with an attorney, a free legal aid program, or a government agency in your area.
Employees — unpaid wage claims
U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division
The federal agency that enforces minimum wage and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You can file a wage complaint at no cost.
Your State Labor Agency
Most states operate their own labor or workforce agency that handles unpaid wage and final paycheck claims, often with deadlines that differ from federal law. Find your state’s agency through the U.S. DOL state directory.
National Employment Law Project (NELP)
Advocacy and research on wage standards and workers’ rights, including resources on unpaid wages and wage theft.
Nolo — Wage and Hour Law by State
Plain-language guides to minimum wage, overtime, and final paycheck rules in every state, written by attorneys.
Find an Employment Attorney
Search licensed attorneys by practice area and state. Filter by labor and employment law.
- lawyers.com/labor-and-employment → (Martindale-Hubbell)
- justia.com/lawyers/employment-law →
Contractors & freelancers — unpaid payment disputes
Small Claims Court
Many unpaid-contract disputes fall within small claims court dollar limits, which vary by state. Small claims proceedings are designed for self-represented parties and do not require an attorney.
- nolo.com/small-claims-court → — plain-language guide to small claims by state
- ncsc.org → — National Center for State Courts: use the Topics > Court Websites directory to locate your state court’s self-help center or small claims division
Find a Contract or Business Attorney
If your matter involves a business contract dispute, civil collections, or requires an attorney, search for contract and business litigation attorneys using the directories below. Filter by contract law, business litigation, or civil litigation practice areas.
- justia.com/lawyers → — search by location; filter by contracts, business, or civil litigation
- lawyers.com → (Martindale-Hubbell) — filter by business & commercial law or civil litigation
Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid (all users)
The resources below provide free or low-cost civil legal assistance and are available to both employees and contractors.
LawHelp.org
Find free civil legal aid organizations by state. Covers a broad range of civil legal issues including employment, contract disputes, and workplace rights.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
The largest funder of civil legal aid in the U.S. Find LSC-funded organizations near you.
Law School Clinics
Many law schools operate free clinics covering employment, contracts, and small business matters. Search for clinics in your state.
americanbar.org/free-legal-help →
State Bar Referral Services
Every state bar association operates a lawyer referral service covering a wide range of civil matters. Many offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
americanbar.org/find-state-bar →
JustOwed does not endorse or have any affiliation with the organizations listed above. Links are provided as a convenience and may change over time. Always verify that any attorney you consult is licensed in your state.