Legal aid is a system of government-funded or charitable organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer.

Legal aid organizations typically provide a wide range of legal services, including criminal defense, family law, immigration law, housing law, and more.

Legal aid services are typically available to individuals who meet certain income eligibility requirements and who are facing a legal problem that is covered by the legal aid organization's services.

Individuals can apply for legal aid services by contacting a legal aid organization directly, applying online, contacting a local bar association, or contacting a government agency.

Public interest law firms are typically non-profit organizations that provide legal services to individuals and groups who are working to promote social change.

Public interest law firms typically handle a wide range of cases, including civil rights cases, environmental law cases, consumer protection cases, employment law cases, and more.

Public interest law firms are typically funded by a combination of government grants, private donations, foundation grants, and fees from clients.

Legal aid and public interest law face a number of challenges, including funding shortages, lack of access to resources, and political opposition.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges facing legal aid and public interest law, including increasing funding, providing more resources, educating the public, and advocating for policies that support legal aid and public interest law.

Legal aid and public interest law will continue to play an important role in promoting access to justice for all, even though they face increasing challenges.