https://www.mnbar.org/
Access to Justice
Pro Bono & Public Service
The MSBA is committed to eliminating barriers to access for low-income Minnesotans by connecting members with opportunities to partner with legal services in representing clients. Through presentations, trainings, recognition and articles, the MSBA promotes the value and importance of pro bono work, as expressed in Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Help Those Impacted by ICE
Working with civil legal aid organizations, we’ve compiled pro bono opportunities and resources for attorneys to support the community.
Learn MoreNorth Star Lawyers
MSBA recognizes members who provide 50 hours or more of pro bono legal services per year as North Star Lawyers.
Learn MoreProJusticeMN.org
Access an extensive library of forms and practice materials, events, and a directory of pro bono opportunities.
Learn MoreAccess to Justice
Committee
Bank on Justice
The MSBA encourages attorneys to bank at banks that pay a higher interest rate on IOLTA accounts. Interest on IOLTA accounts is used to fund civil legal service providers.
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Access to Justice Policy
The MSBA helps develop statewide policies to provide more comprehensive legal assistance for Minnesota's low-income clients and generate resources for programs that serve those individuals. In addition, the MSBA works to increase access to lower cost legal services, such as unbundled/limited scope and sliding fee. ATJ Committee
The MSBA advocates for access to the justice system for all Minnesotans, regardless of income level.
Civil Legal Services Funding and Information
Civil Right to Counsel
Access to Justice - Assessing Implementation of Civil Gideon in Minnesota contains detailed information about low income people's needs for representation in matters involving basic human needs, the impacts when counsel is not available, and recommendations for addressing the justice gap. This 2011 report still holds timely and relevant direction for access to justice work today.
A civil right to counsel for tenants in public housing breach of lease cases became law in 2023.
Cy Pres
The MSBA supports the cy pres doctrine to award residual class action funds to programs that provide free legal services to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Cy Pres Manual
The MSBA successfully petitioned for amendment of Minn. R. Civ. P. 23.05 to prioritize notice to civil legal services programs of the distribution of residual funds.
