Free Legal Aid in Minnesota
Free and low-cost legal help available in Minnesota. Includes LSC-funded legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and self-help resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- 3 legal aid organizations serve Minnesota.
- Income eligibility: generally 125% of federal poverty level.
- Covers civil matters: housing, family law, consumer issues, benefits.
- Does not cover criminal cases — contact the public defender.
Legal Aid Organizations in Minnesota
Legal Aid State Support (LawHelpMN)
Minnesota's statewide legal information website, connecting low-income residents to legal aid organizations and self-help resources.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro and surrounding counties.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
Serves low-income residents of the St. Paul area and southern Minnesota with free civil legal services.
Additional Resources
What Legal Aid Covers
- Housing: Eviction defense, landlord disputes, public housing issues
- Family law: Divorce, custody, protection orders, child support
- Consumer: Debt collection, credit issues, utility shutoffs
- Benefits: SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment
- Immigration: Some programs handle immigration matters
What Legal Aid Won't Cover
- Criminal cases: Contact the public defender's office
- Fee-generating cases: Personal injury, workers' comp (find a contingency-fee lawyer instead)
- Over income limit: Ask about sliding-scale fees or limited-scope representation
If You Don't Qualify
- Find a lawyer in Minnesota — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in Minnesota — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find legal aid in Minnesota?
Visit LawHelpMN.org or call your regional legal aid provider. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid serves the Minneapolis area; SMRLS serves St. Paul and southern Minnesota.
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What does Minnesota legal aid help with?
Minnesota legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, immigration, and disability rights for qualifying low-income residents.
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Are there legal aid services for immigrants in Minnesota?
Yes. Several Minnesota legal aid organizations provide immigration legal services, and there are specialized organizations like the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.