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People We Serve

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Our justice system protects your right to an attorney when you are accused of a crime—but no similar right exists for civil legal matters.

At Legal Aid, we specialize in providing professional civil legal help to Minnesotans who traditionally lack access to the American justice system and cannot afford the services of a private civil attorney. These groups generally include the following:

Low-Income Populations

Our Poverty Law Practice includes regional offices Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, St. Cloud Area Legal Services, and Western Minnesota Legal Services. If you are faced with a civil (not criminal) legal problem, live within the geographic areas we serve, and meet our income requirements we may be able to help you.

Seniors

Minnesota seniors face a variety of complicated challenges, including family law issues, landlord/tenant disputes, access to deserved Social Security benefits, and health insurance-related issues. The Senior Law Projects at our regional offices (listed above) may be able to provide free legal services to you if you are a senior and you reside within our service areas.

People with Disabilities

Minnesotans with mental and physical disabilities face a variety of day-to-day civil legal challenges. Legal Aid assists citizens with disabilities primarily through our state-wide protection and advocacy organization, the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC).

Self-Help Resources

In addition to providing free legal services, we also provide access to self-help resources through LawHelpMN.org.