Central Minnesota Legal Services (Minneapolis Office)
(612) 332-8151; New Clients: 1-877-696-6529 (1-877-MY-MN-LAW)
111 North 5th Street, Suite 402, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income people in many areas of law including housing, family law, government benefits, domestic abuse, immigration, disability and others.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis Office)
1-877-696-6529
111 N Fifth Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income people.
Hennepin County Law Library
(612) 348-3022
C-2451 Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55487
Full-service law library with reference assistance available Mon-Fri. 8 am to 5 pm. Online (Westlaw, Lexis and others) and print resources available, with an emphasis on practice and self-help materials. Free monthly CLEs offered the third Friday of the month from 12:15 - 1:15 (virtual only). Room and technology for Zoom court hearings or attorney visits available. Call or email for further information.
Hennepin County Adult Representation Services
(612) 348-7012
Defense attorneys providing advocacy to clients experiencing poverty in civil matters in Hennepin County where they are entitled to an attorney. Services include providing legal advice and representation in court, connecting you with resources and services, and advocating and negotiating for you to ensure your rights are protected. Services are available for child protection, eviction and other housing matters, child support contempt, and guardianship and conservatorship cases. Contact (612) 348-7012 or email ContactARS@hennepin.us for more information.
Legal Access Point Clinic - Government Center
(612) 478-8757
Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St., skyway level, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
3rd Tuesday of the month, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free legal consults for people with low income (up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) on civil law topics only. Sign up for all clinics begins at 8:00 am on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - Fourth Judicial District
(612) 348-7530
701 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 1400, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Legal services by court appointment for low-income people who are involved in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.
Misdemeanor Defense Project
(612) 752-6699
Attorneys are available at each of the Hennepin County Court locations during each weekday during misdemeanor arraignment. The attorney is available to any individual scheduled for arraignment that day to answer questions about how the courts work, about legal rights, and about other substantive law matters of concern.
Legal Rights Center
(612) 337-0030
1611 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Free criminal defense representation and restorative justice services.
Sealing Criminal Records to Enhance Justice - Hennepin County Attorney's Office
If you have a criminal record for an offense that was prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, this program can help you determine if you qualify for expungement. If you qualify, the County Attorney's Office will help get your record sealed by the Court at no cost to you.
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.
Commitment Defense Project - Hennepin County Bar Association
(612) 752-6627
In Hennepin County, any individual who is under petition for commitment is entitled to legal representation without charge. This representation is provided through the Commitment Defense Project (CDP) which is administered for the county by the HCBA. About 35 attorneys experienced in working with individuals in the commitment process work with CDP. When the court is petitioned for commitment, the individual is assigned to the Commitment Defense Project and immediately assigned attorney representation.
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.
Hennepin County Domestic Abuse Service Center
(612) 348-5073
Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St., Room #LL0720 (lower level), Minneapolis, MN 55487
Victims can access resources and get help with the process of getting a court Order for Protection.
Tubman Family Crisis & Support Services
Crisis Line: (612) 825-0000
Tubman addresses a variety of domestic abuse and family law issues in Hennepin, Washington and Ramsey counties.
Cornerstone
(952) 884-0376 or 24-Hour Crisis Line: (952) 884-0330
1000 E. 80th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420
Providing domestic abuse legal assistance through family court and criminal justice advocates a 24-Hour Crisis Line.
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.
Sexual Violence Center
Hotline: (612) 871-5111 or (952) 448-5425
Legal advocacy services and free legal clinic for survivors of sexual violence offered once a month - call for appointment.
Family Court Clinic
(612) 478-8757
Hennepin County Family Justice Center, 110 S. 4th Street, 1st Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Free legal consults for people with low income (up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) on family law topics only. Sign up for the advice clinic starts at 8:00 am at the Family Court Self-Help Center on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of openings is very limited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hennepin County Adult Representation Services
(612) 348-7012
Defense attorneys providing advocacy to clients experiencing poverty in civil matters in Hennepin County where they are entitled to an attorney. Services include providing legal advice and representation in court, connecting you with resources and services, and advocating and negotiating for you to ensure your rights are protected. Services are available for child protection, eviction and other housing matters, child support contempt, and guardianship and conservatorship cases. Contact (612) 348-7012 or email ContactARS@hennepin.us for more information.
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.
Brian Coyle Community Center Legal Clinic
(612) 338-5282
Brian Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Free legal advice and basic services on a variety of civil issues including immigration, housing, and debt collection. Days and times vary. Services available in English, Somali, and Spanish, with other languages served by telephone interpreters. To make an appointment, call (612) 338-5282.
Hennepin County Office of Multi-Cultural Services
(612) 348-2193
Legal assistance and representation for Hennepin County residents receiving public assistance, those with low income applying for green cards, naturalization, and employment authorization cards. No deportation or removal representation.
Hennepin County Legal Defense Fund - Deportation
(612) 334-5970
Three participating organizations - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and the Advocates for Human Rights - are providing universal representation to Hennepin County residents facing deportation. Preference is given to people who were transferred from the Hennepin County jail to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
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.
Hennepin County Veterans Service Office
(612) 348-3300
vetservices@hennepin.us
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.
Justice for Vets
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or Text 838255 or Online Chat
Helps expand the reach of Veterans Treatment Courts by working at the local, state and national level. Works with veterans and military families seeking specific assistance relating to a criminal or civil case.
LinkVet Support
1-888-546-5838
24-7 support from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) for Minnesota Veterans and their families.
Minnesota Veterans Treatment Courts
Veterans Treatment Courts use a hybrid integration of Drug Court and Mental Health Court principles to serve military veterans, and sometimes active-duty personnel to promote sobriety, recovery, and stability.
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.
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.
