Legal Assistance of Dakota County & Volunteer Attorney Program
Client intake: (952) 431-3200
Free legal representation and advice to low-income people for civil legal problems, primarily in family law and protection from domestic abuse. Attorney referral service through Dakota County Bar Association also offered.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
1-877-MY-MN-LAW (1-877-696-6529)
Free legal help to low-income and senior citizen clients for civil (non-criminal) legal problems including family law, government benefits, housing, probate, tax, and other matters.
Dakota County Law Library
(651) 438-8080
Hastings: Dakota County Judicial Center, 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
Apple Valley: Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Offering access to Westlaw, Minnesota and federal legal information, self-help materials, and legal help clinics for family law, consumer law, and criminal expungement. Call for details.
Minnesota Courts Self-Help Centers
Forms, videos and other information for individuals representing themselves in court.
Legal Advice Clinics
Directory of legal clinics and Self-Help Centers across the state.
LawHelpMN.org
Website providing Minnesotans with legal information and resources on a variety of civil (non-criminal) legal topics and helping connect individuals to legal aid and assistance. Live online chat help service available.
Justice Buses
Justice Buses are mobile legal aid offices that will travel to rural areas, bringing with them the ability to meet in person or obtain legal information so clients can stay close to home.
Legal Kiosk Project
The Minnesota Legal Services Coalition has legal kiosks in community locations throughout the state to provide access to legal aid services to individuals without access to wifi or technology. The kiosks offer the public the ability to apply for civil legal aid services, access legal resources, and in some cases, attend remote court hearings in privacy. Anyone can use the computer at one of these legal kiosks free of charge.
To find a legal kiosk available for remote court hearings, choose the option for "locations that have privacy" on the kiosk location map.
Dakota County Courthouses
Dakota County Judicial Center: (651) 377-7180, 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
Western Service Center: (952) 247-7099, 14955 Galaxie Ave. West, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Northern Service Center: (651) 377-7190, 1 W. Mendota Road, Ste. 140, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Minnesota State Law Library
(651) 297-7651
Get help finding legal information
Room G25, Minnesota Judicial Center, 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
Our librarians can help you find legal information, court forms, and other materials by phone, email, or in person. In addition, we offer two clinics for those working on appeals: General Appeals Self-Help Clinic - held on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This is a brief advice clinic for people who are representing themselves. There is no income-qualification required for attendance. Unemployment Appeal Legal Advice Clinic - service for people who have already had a hearing with the Unemployment Law Judge and have also requested reconsideration and it has been denied. You can attend the clinic to get advice about how to proceed with an appeal to the Court of Appeals. Clinics held on the 2nd Thursday of the month and 4th Thursday of the month. Appointments are required. Probate Clinic - brief advice on the 1st Thursday of the month for people seeking help with a Minnesota probate issue. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website.
Minnesota Unbundled Law Project
Directory of attorneys offering unbundled legal services (also known as limited scope legal services) that are customizable for your needs and budget. Practice areas include family; business; employment; real estate; benefits; housing; wills, trusts, and elder law; consumer protection and debt; and more. For more information about unbundled legal services, visit their FAQ.
Restorative and Mediation Practices (RAMP)
(507) 664-3522
Skilled mediators in Southern Minnesota ready to help those caught in conflicts they are ready to resolve.
Community Mediation Minnesota
1-833-266-2663
Providing mediation and restorative justice resources to help resolve disputes involving neighbors, families, businesses, consumers, crime victims, landlords, tenants, or other matters.
Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MNLRIS)
(612) 752-6699
MNLRIS connects persons with legal issues to one of over 200 qualified private attorneys practicing in over 50 areas of law. Referral counselors are available who can set up appointments with attorneys, provide general information about the legal process, and direct people to appropriate legal resources. MNLRIS is sponsored by the Hennepin and Ramsey County Bar Associations. MNLRIS also hosts a Reduced Fee Program which provides reduced-cost legal services for clients who have legal issues in Minnesota. To qualify for this program, you must have some form of stable income which lies between 125-250% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you think you might qualify, MNLRIS will conduct a financial screening over the phone.
Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Free online lawyer search and referral service.
Minnesota Legal Advice Online (MLAO)
Volunteer attorneys answer legal questions via email for individuals who meet income qualifications.
United Way 211
Dial 2-1-1
Operators available 24/7 to provide targeted referrals to legal services and resources.
YouthLink
(612) 252-1200
41 N. 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free clinic for low-income youth (ages 16-24) with legal problems (family, immigration, employment, public benefits, criminal, and housing). Also offers a drop-in center.
Youth Law Project
1-877-696-6529
The Project works with children/youth from birth to age 24 anywhere in Minnesota. Legal assistance (no criminal) for low income youth who are abused, neglected, experiencing or are at risk of homelessness or sexual exploitation, or have questions about safety, minor consent, access education, public benefits, obtaining government identification, or any other civil legal issues.
Children's Law Center of Minnesota
(651) 644-4438
450 N. Syndicate St, Suite 340, St. Paul, MN 55104
Free advocacy and legal representation for foster care youth in Minnesota.
Public Defender - First Judicial District (Hastings Office)
(651) 480-0122
919 Vermillion Street, Suite 200, Hastings, MN 55033
Legal services by court appointment for low-income people who are involved in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.
Criminal Law Clinic
30-minute telephone appointments available for criminal law issues. Complete this form and call (651) 438-8080 to be placed in the schedule on a specific date.
Sealing Criminal Records to Enhance Justice
If you have a criminal record for an offense that was prosecuted in state court, prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office may be able to help you determine if you qualify for expungement. If you qualify, the Attorney General's Office may be able to help you get your record sealed by the Court at no cost to you.
Neighborhood Justice Center
(651) 222-4703
500 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Criminal defense and expungement services for low-income residents of Ramsey, Washington & Dakota Counties.
Second Chance Saturday Criminal Records Workshop
Volunteer Lawyers Network
(612) 752-6677
Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St Ste 200, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Monthly criminal records workshop held every second Saturday of the month from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Clinic is closed in June and July.
Mitchell Hamline Self Help Clinic
(651) 695-7609
Assistance for self-represented parties for criminal expungement. Appointments are preferred. Contact selfhelp.clinic@mitchellhamline.edu or use the online application form to request an appointment. Remote appointments may also be available. Please note: this clinic is only available during the academic year.
Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making
Guardianship Information Line: 1-844-333-1748
Statewide resource offering free in-depth telephone consultation, referrals, information and assistance for families, individuals, and professionals regarding individuals at risk for guardianship/conservatorship.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Information: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435); Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Education, advocacy, support, and referrals for people with mental illness and their families.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones. Call or text 988 for crisis assistance. Assistance is also available in Spanish.
Lewis House & Outreach Services - 360 Communities
Sexual Assault Hotline: (651) 405-1500
Lewis House in Eagan: (651) 452-7288
360 Communities Lewis House Shelters provide emergency housing and assistance to individuals and families escaping domestic or sexual violence. Trained advocates offer emotional support, safety planning, referral to community resources, and help in navigating the court system. 360 Communities advocates walk with survivors through the legal process, helping fill out orders for protection, attending court hearings and providing information. Outreach services are available for victims/survivors in the community who may not need or want to stay at a Lewis House shelter.
Violence Free Minnesota (formerly Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women)
24-Hour Phone Line: (866) 223-1111
24-hour hotline for victims of domestic abuse throughout Minnesota helps connect individuals to resources and services available to them.
Standpoint (Formerly Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project)
1-800-313-2666 or (612) 343-9842; Text Line: (612) 743-7397
Statewide program serving domestic and sexual violence survivors, their advocates, attorneys and other professionals working within the justice system in Minnesota.
Dakota County Social Services - Children and Family
(952) 891-7400
14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Legal Clinics for Family Law
Free 30 minute meeting with an attorney, by appointment only. Topics covered include child support, custody, divorce/dissolution, legal separation, maintenance, parenting time, and paternity. Call (651) 438-8080 to make an appointment.
Family Law Advice by Phone - Volunteer Lawyers Network
(612) 752-6677
Low-income people can get a free 20-minute legal advice consult on family law matters from the Volunteer Lawyers Network. To schedule an appointment, call the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
Family Law Clinic - University of Minnesota Law School
(612) 625-5515
Child support, custody, dissolution, harassment restraining order, OFP, paternity. Law clinic staff will assess eligibility.
Father Project
(612) 724-3539
The Father Project's mission is to assist fathers in overcoming the barriers that prevent them from supporting their children economically and emotionally. Services offered include child support services, paternity issues, parenting support, and case management.
LGBTQ+ Clinic (Volunteer Lawyers Network)
Walk-in or make an appointment.
Free clinics held via Zoom. Providing 15-20 minutes of legal advice on name and gender marker changes, plus general legal advice and referrals.
Outfront Minnesota (GLBT Youth)
(612) 822-0127 or 1-800-800-0350
Provides advocacy, assistance, and referrals to help guide youth through the legal process.
Gender Justice
(651) 789-2090
Gender Justice provides legal representation for transgender and other clients relative to employment discrimination, health care, and other necessities.
Eviction Prevention Clinic
(952) 985-5300
If you are facing eviction, you will have the opportunity to meet with the 360 Communities Housing Support Staff and attorneys from Legal Assistance of Dakota County or Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) at your hearing. It is recommended to call 360 Communities to talk to their Housing Support Team at (952) 985-5300 as soon as you receive your summons with a court date.
Small Business Landlord Brief Legal Advice Clinic - LegalCORPS
Speak with a housing law attorney to ask questions or receive some general guidance. To be eligible, landlords must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the size of their household. This clinic provides brief advice; full representation is not available. The clinic takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month between 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. To request assistance, call (612) 206-0780 or click on the Request Assistance button at the bottom of the Brief Advice Clinics page.
Mitchell Hamline Self Help Clinic
(651) 695-7609
Assistance for self-represented parties with eviction expungement issues. Appointments are required. Contact selfhelp.clinic@mitchellhamline.edu or use the online application form to request an appointment. Remote appointments may also be available. Please note: this clinic is only available during the academic year.
Immigrant Connection
(612) 699-2529
Immigrant Connection-Waite Park is a part of the Immigrant Connection National Network. IC-Waite Park has been approved by the Department of Justice to offer high-quality, low-cost, immigration legal services in the Twin Cities. We provide legal assistance to individuals who are seeking help with issues relating to immigration, such as Family and Marriage Based Petitions, Naturalization Petitions, Lawful Permanent Resident and Employment Authorization renewals, and Adjustment of Status.
Minnesota State Law Library Probate Brief Advice Telephone Clinic
(651) 297-7651
Brief advice clinic for people with questions about Minnesota probate. Clinics are offered on the 1st Thursday of each month over the phone. Appointments are required. To attend this clinic, you must have a Minnesota probate issue and you may not be represented by a lawyer. There is no income qualification for attendance. Issues not covered: tax, medical assistance, guardianship/conservatorship, questions about the law in other states. For more information, call (651) 297-7651 or Ask a Librarian.
Minnesota Elder Justice Center
(651) 440-9300
Providing information and resources statewide to older and/or vulnerable adults and their loved ones around issues of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Services include obtaining protective orders, incapacity and safety planning, limited legal representation, and referrals. To get more information, please call (651) 440-9312 to speak to an advocate or use the contact form.
Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making
Guardianship Information Line: 1-844-333-1748
Statewide resource offering free in-depth telephone consultation, referrals, information and assistance for families, individuals, and professionals regarding individuals at risk for guardianship/conservatorship.
Dakota County Veterans Services
(651) 554-5601
vets@co.dakota.mn.us
Dakota County Veterans Services has offices in Apple Valley, West St. Paul, and Hastings.
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
(888) 838-7727
Provides assistance to unrepresented veterans or their family members who have filed appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
LinkVet Support
1-888-546-5838
24-7 support from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) for Minnesota Veterans and their families.
Minnesota Department of Human Rights Mediation Program
(651) 539-1100 or 1-800-657-3704
No cost and voluntary alternative dispute resolution process by which the parties attempt to settle their discrimination disputes with the help of a trained mediator. Mediation takes place before the Department begins an investigation into allegations of discrimination and before a probable cause finding is made.
University of Minnesota Law School Tax Clinic
(612) 625-5515
The University of Minnesota Law School Tax Clinic provides low income taxpayers with free legal representation in federal tax matters. Clients are represented by Law School students who are trained and directly supervised by a faculty member who is an experienced tax attorney. call the Tax Clinic at 612-625-5515, email lawclinic@umn.edu, or fill out this form for more information. Our phone lines are open 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Metro: (612) 334-5970 or Greater Minnesota: 1-800-292-4150
Clinic assistance available to Minnesota taxpayers across the state who have Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disputes. This clinic may be able to help with issues including: reducing or eliminating your tax debt, stopping IRS collection action, providing representation in US Tax Court, advocating for an audit reconsideration, addressing identity theft problems, worker misclassification, or helping get some of your refund back that was taken for a spouse's debt. This clinic does not prepare tax returns. Free interpreters are available.
Consumer Law Clinic - Apple Valley
(952) 431-3200
Free 30 minute consultation with an attorney by phone, by appointment only.
Twin Cities Christian Legal Aid
tcclamn@gmail.com
Free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to qualified individuals at ministry locations around the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts - Springboard for the Arts
Legal advice for low income artists and creatives who need help with business organization, contracts, artist tax audits, copyright and trademark infringement, artist immigration, music royalties, and leasing and buying property. Complete the intake form to see if you are eligible for services. For assistance, email legal@springboardforthearts.org or call (651) 294-0907.
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
(888) 838-7727
Provides assistance to unrepresented veterans or their family members who have filed appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
