A Trafficking Survivor’s Guide to Legal Representation

This guide is written for survivors of human trafficking who need legal assistance but are unsure of where to begin. It covers the types of lawyers who may be able to help you—including those in family law, civil litigation, immigration, criminal defense, tax, and housing law—and explains your right to representation. It also offers practical guidance on how to find and verify a lawyer’s qualifications and license, what to expect from your attorney, your attorney’s responsibilities, and the essential terms of any agreement you sign with them. Finally, it addresses how to recognize and address unethical or predatory behavior, seek a second opinion, change lawyers, or take action if your lawyer failed to represent you properly.