{"id":377266,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/wisconsin-law\/free-legal-aid-in-milwaukee.html"},"modified":"2023-06-20T12:38:06","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T17:38:06","slug":"free-legal-aid-in-milwaukee","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/free-legal-aid-in-milwaukee.html","title":{"rendered":"Free Legal Aid in Milwaukee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Free Legal Aid in Milwaukee<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Do you have a legal issue, but can\u2019t afford to hire an attorney? There are many free or low-cost legal service<\/a> options for Milwaukee county residents. The main ways are through legal assistance programs such as the Legal Aid Society Of Milwaukee<\/a>, <\/b>one of the oldest nonprofit law firms in the country providing free legal aid to low-income residents, <\/b>or through other programs run by the Wisconsin Bar Association and law school clinics. There may be income limits that apply for you to qualify for free\/low-cost help. Contact the specific agency to learn more. Below is a list of several organizations available to help you.<\/p>\n

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General Law<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 325<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53202<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 272-4032\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issue, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n Lagmann Inc.\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    230 W. Wells St., Suite 201, <\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 755-3419\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Most areas of civil law including Landlord-Tenant, Education Law (including Special Education), Mediation and Collaborative Services, Consumer Small Claims Law, Bankruptcy, Juvenile Law, ChiPS and JiPS Cases,  Family Law, Foreclosure Defense, Criminal Law, Municipal Defense<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: This is a nonprofit law firm serving low-income residents of Milwaukee County. Legal fees are based upon income. Call for more details.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Modest Means Program (Modest Means Panel)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    P.O. Box 7158<\/p>\n \n

    \n Madison,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53707<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: 1 (888) 529-7599\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Criminal, Consumer, Family, and Probate<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: This is a legal referral service run by the Wisconsin State Bar. They assist people whose income is too high to qualify for free legal services, but too low to pay a lawyer\u2019s standard rate.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Legal Aid Society of Wisconsin\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    521 N. 8th St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53233<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 727-5300\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Most civil law matters and other court-appointed services<\/a> for Children and Family law.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: This is one of the main legal aid service providers in Milwaukee. Income limits apply.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Legal Action of Wisconsin\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    230 W Wells St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 278-7722\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Consumer<\/a>, Disability<\/a>, Driver\u2019s License Recovery<\/a>, Family Law<\/a>, Public Benefits<\/a>, Housing<\/a>, Tax<\/a>, Migrant Farm workers<\/a>, and Senior law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Income limits apply. Legal Action will not provide help with: Criminal, Selective Service, School Desegregation, Voter Redistricting, Class Action, Welfare Reform, Access to Abortion, Personal Injury, Undocumented Aliens, and help for prisoners.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    AIDS\/HIV Rights<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
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    \n \n AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    820 North Plankinton Ave.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 225-1578\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Confidentiality, Consumer and Creditor\/Debtor Issues, Disability Benefits, Discrimination, Estate planning, Landlord and tenant disputes,  and Power of Attorney for Health, Care\/Advance Directives.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: There are no income limits. Services include legal, financial, housing, and rent assistance.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Bankruptcy<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
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    \n \n Bankruptcy Self-Help Clinic (U.S. Courthouse)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    517 E. Wisconsin Ave.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53202<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 297-3291 ext. 3204\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: The clinic provides free assistance for any unrepresented Wisconsin resident in the Eastern District filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This is a walk-in clinic, only. Arrive early to sign up. There\u2019s a sign-in form outside of room 133B and each person will be called in turn.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Civil Rights<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n NAACP Legal Redress Committee\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    2745 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Suite 203<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53212<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 227-4384\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Civil Rights, Employment, Housing, Public Benefits, Police Misconduct, and more.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Legal services are available to low-income African Americans and other minority groups.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Criminal Law<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Centro Legal\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    614 W. National Ave., 2nd Floor<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53204<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 384-7900\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Family, Misdemeanor Criminal<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Most clients pay a flat fee on a sliding scale based upon income. \u2028<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Disability Rights<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Disability Rights Wisconsin\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    6737 W. Washington St., Suite 3230<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53214<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 773-4646\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: <\/b>This office provides free legal assistance to disabled persons regardless of income. It does not provide legal assistance for bankruptcies, traffic tickets, criminal cases or family law issues like child custody, child support or divorce. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Domestic Violence and Family Law<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
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    \n Milwaukee Justice Center (Milwaukee County Courthouse)\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    901 N. 9th St. Room G9<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53233<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 278-2912\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Family Law<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: This is a walk-in clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys. They provide help unrepresented litigants fill out court forms.  Call for hours.  They do not provide legal services over the phone.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Sojourner Family Peace Center\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1400 North 6th St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53212<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 276-1911\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Milwaukee County Courthouse\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    901 North 9th Str., Room 711<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53233<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 276-1911\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: They provide advocacy, legal assistance, and support for survivors of sexual assaults, domestic violence, and other abuse. Courthouse office provides assistance and time for and obtaining domestic violence and child abuse restraining orders. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Driver\u2019s License Issues<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Center For Drivers License Recovery and Employability (Foundation Hall)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    700 West State St., 8th Floor<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53233<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 297-6407\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Traffic, Driver\u2019s License suspensions and revocations<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: This agency\u2019s primary focus is on case management and legal services to help low-income Milwaukee County residents recover a suspended or revoked driver\u2019s license. Check eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Employment Discrimination<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n Milwaukee 9 to 5\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    207 E Buffalo St #211<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53202<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (800) 522-0925\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Women, Employment Discrimination<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>:  This is an employment discrimination hotline only. They provide information on legal rights including family leave, discrimination, and harassment including strategies to win fair treatment on the job.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Housing<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n Tenant Resource Center\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    230 W. Wells St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 431-7337\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Housing, Landlord\/Tenant issues<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: TRC offers free counseling by telephone to tenants and landlords concerning rental rights and responsibilities. Information on state and local rental laws and regulations and lease screening services are available at TRC. They also refer clients to other agencies if necessary.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Immigration Law<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n Catholic Charities Immigration Services\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    731 W. Washington St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53204<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 643-8570 ext. 4414\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Family-based immigration, Religious immigration, INA Sec. 203 North American and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Asylum and Temporary Protected Status, Relief for Immigrant Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence, Naturalization Representation in immigration court, cancellation of removal, bond hearings, and VAWA cancellation of removal, Special juvenile immigrant petitions<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Fees are on a sliding scale based upon income.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n International Institute of Wisconsin\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1110 North Old Third St., Suite 420<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 225-6220\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Immigration, Naturalization, Adjustment of Status for Refugees and Non-Refugees, Travel Documents, and Petitions for Family Members<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Services are by appointment only with walk-in hours on Fridays. There is a small consultation fee. Call to learn more.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Wills and Power of Attorney<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Milwaukee Bar Association Hospice Program\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    424 East Wells St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53202<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 276-5931\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Area of Law: Wills, Power of Attorney<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: The program offers free legal services by licensed attorneys to people in hospice care that are mentally capable and low income. The attorney will draw up end of life documentation (wills, power of attorney documents) for free. To qualify for pro bono assistance, the patient does have to be mentally coherent and must be referred through a social worker. The patient must also be on some type of public assistance program or be low-income as determined by the patient’s Hospice facility’s assigned social worker<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Veterans<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Wisconsin Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (State Bar of Wisconsin)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    5302 Eastpark Blvd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Madison,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53718<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (800) 728-7788\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Landlord\/Tenant, Consumer Finance, Guardianship, Civilian Employment, Misdemeanor Criminal Offenses, and Estate Planning.<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: To qualify for free legal assistance, you must be low-income and veterans, active duty military personnel, National Guard or Reserve. Referrals for legal assistance at reduced cost may also be available for those who do not qualify for free legal help.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Law School Clinics<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic (Marquette University Law School)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    P.O. Box 1881<\/p>\n \n

    \n Milwaukee,<\/span>\n WI<\/span>\n 53201<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (414) 288-6912\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Areas of Law: Landlord-Tenant, Credit & Consumer, Family Law, Domestic Abuse, Social Security, Small Claims, Municipal Violations, Employment, Workers Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, Immigration (Hillview Clinic only)<\/p>\n

    Good to Know<\/u><\/b>: Marquette Law School runs several clinics in the Milwaukee area. Call to learn more. Volunteer attorneys and Marquette University law students provide free brief legal advice and referral services, but no ongoing representation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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