Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota, USA. It is dedicated to providing free, high-quality legal help to low-income individuals in critical civil matters.

History and Mission

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS) has more than 110 years of history, with a mission to deliver a full range of high-quality legal services to low-income persons and eligible client groups in civil matters. Their mission emphasizes enabling clients to enforce their legal rights, access the courts and administrative agencies, maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness, and abuse, and empower individuals to become economically self-reliant.

Services Offered

SMRLS offers legal counseling and representation in a wide array of civil matters, including:

• Family Law: Handling cases related to family disputes.
• Government Benefits: Assistance with accessing or maintaining government benefits.
• Housing: Legal aid for housing-related issues, including landlord-tenant disputes.
• Refugees and Immigrants: Support for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
• Education: Legal assistance related to educational rights.
• Agricultural Workers: Specialized services for agricultural workers.
• Seniors: Legal assistance focused on elderly individuals.
• Consumer Issues: Help with consumer-related legal problems.
• Debt and Creditor Issues: Assistance with managing debt and addressing creditor disputes.
• Employment: Legal support for employment-related issues.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship: Assistance with establishing or navigating guardianship and conservatorship arrangements.
• Real Estate: Legal advice on real estate matters.
• Taxes: Support with tax-related issues.

Populations Served

SMRLS serves diverse populations, including:

• Low-income individuals
• Immigrants and refugees
• Agricultural workers
• Seniors
• People with disabilities

Financial Overview

The organization's estimated annual revenue is approximately $36.5 million. With an employee base of about 135 people, SMRLS has been a consistent presence in Minnesota, providing vital legal assistance to underserved communities.

Volunteer Program

SMRLS utilizes a volunteer attorney program to extend its reach and capacity. Volunteer attorneys contribute to various practice areas, including consumer and debt collection, employment, family law, and more. This program allows for more clients to receive assistance by providing advice, brief services, and full representation as needed.

Specialty Clinics

SMRLS operates several specialty clinics, both virtually and in person, which focus on topics like uncontested divorce, estate planning, and eviction expungement. These clinics are vital in providing focused legal support and empowering individuals to navigate complex legal issues.

Community Impact

By providing comprehensive legal services without cost to eligible clients, SMRLS plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being and legal rights of low-income individuals across Minnesota. Their services aim to reduce inequality by ensuring access to justice for all.