https://www.mnbar.org/
VLN & Pro Bono
In its commitment to access to justice for all, the Hennepin County Bar Association provides a variety of services for the public, both through the association's own programming and through significant support of the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN).
Volunteer Lawyers Network
VLN matches low-income clients with volunteer attorneys for free civil legal services. Services range from advice to full-representation. VLN lawyers provide legal services for low-income client areas that impact basic human needs, such as housing, bankruptcy, family, debt collection, etc. They do not service criminal matters, personal injury, worker's compensation, legal or medical malpractice, or any other fee-generating issue.
HCBA Pro Bono and Low Bono Programming
The HCBA provides these direct services to the public by way of legal help:
MNLRIS
learn moreThe Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MNLRIS) connects those with legal issues to one of 200 private attorneys practicing in over 50 areas of law. Lawyer Referral can also provide callers with general information about the legal process and community resources. The LRIS is recognized for its high quality by the American Bar Association, and has been helping individuals find solutions to their legal issues for over 60 years.
Minnesota Reduced Fee Program
The goal of the Reduced Fee Program is to increase access to legal services for low to moderate income individuals in Minnesota whose income exceeds eligibility guidelines for pro bono legal services but who cannot afford the cost of a traditional market-rate attorney. Interested individuals should contact MNLRIS at 612-752-6699.
Misdemeanor Defense Project
Through the Misdemeanor Defense Project, the HCBA provides an attorney at each of the four Hennepin County Court locations 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 matter of concern. Clerks, prosecutors, judges, or public defender screeners can easily direct the public to the attorney volunteer for the day.
Karin
Lawyer Referral Manager
612-333-1183
