Pro Bono & Low-Cost Legal Services

Twin Cities Resources for Immigrants, Refugees & Low-Income Residents

This page provides information about free and low-cost legal services available in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota). The organizations listed here help immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and low-income individuals with immigration and civil legal issues.

Most services are offered at no cost or on a sliding scale, depending on income and eligibility.

Who These Legal Services Are For

These organizations commonly serve:

  • Immigrants and refugees
  • Asylum seekers
  • New Americans
  • Low-income individuals and families
  • Survivors of violence or trafficking
  • People needing help with immigration or civil legal issues

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive help from many of these organizations.

Types of Legal Help Available

Services may include:

  • Immigration legal advice and representation
  • Asylum and refugee applications
  • Citizenship and naturalization (N-400) help
  • Green card and family petitions
  • DACA and TPS assistance
  • Deportation defense and removal proceedings
  • Help for survivors of domestic violence or trafficking
  • Civil legal help (housing, benefits, family law, consumer issues)

Each organization offers different services, so contact them directly for details.

Pro Bono & Low-Cost Legal Organizations

⚖️ Immigration & Refugee Legal Services

  1. The Advocates for Human Rights
    Provides free and low-cost legal services for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants, including representation and human rights advocacy.
    Website: https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/
  2. Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM)
    Offers immigration legal services, policy advocacy, and education for immigrants and refugees statewide.
    Website: https://www.ilcm.org/
  3. Arrive Ministries – Immigration Legal Services
    Provides immigration legal help, consultations, and referrals for refugees and immigrants.
    Website: https://arriveministries.org/
  4. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Immigration & Refugee Services
    Offers legal services, resettlement assistance, and support for refugees and immigrants.
    Website: https://www.lssmn.org/services/refugees
  5. Minnesota Council of Churches – Refugee Services
    Provides case management, employment support, and referrals to legal resources for refugees.
    Website: https://www.mnchurches.org/

🏛️ Legal Aid & Civil Legal Help

  1. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
    Free civil legal services for low-income individuals, including housing, benefits, and family law issues.
    Website: https://www.mylegalaid.org/
  2. Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM)
    Provides free legal help for low-income residents in Minneapolis, including immigration-related matters.
    Website: https://www.lasamn.org/
  3. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
    Offers free civil legal services to low-income individuals in Minnesota.
    Website: https://www.smrls.org/

🌍 Community-Based & Specialized Legal Support

  1. CLUES – Legal Services
    Provides culturally responsive legal assistance and referrals for Latino communities.
    Website: https://clues.org/
  2. Centro Tyrone Guzman – Legal & Advocacy Services
    Supports Latino and immigrant communities with legal referrals and advocacy.
    Website: https://centrotyroneguzman.org/
  3. Standpoint (Minnesota Immigration Resource Hub)
    Central hub connecting immigrants to trusted legal services and resources across Minnesota.
    Website: https://www.standpointmn.org/
  4. Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN)
    Connects low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys for free legal help.
    Website: https://www.vlnmn.org/

📞 Legal Information & Referrals

  1. MN Judicial Branch – Self-Help Centers
    Free legal information, forms, and guidance (not legal advice).
    Website: https://www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp/
  2. Hennepin County Self-Help Center
    Legal forms and guidance for civil cases in Hennepin County.
    Website: https://www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp/?county=hennepin
  3. Ramsey County Self-Help Center
    Legal forms and guidance for civil cases in Ramsey County.
    Website: https://www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp/?county=ramsey

Cost & Eligibility

  • Many services are free (pro bono)
  • Some services are low-cost or sliding scale
  • Immigration status does not automatically disqualify you
  • Income limits may apply

Always ask about cost and eligibility when you contact an organization.

How to Use This Page

  1. Review the list of organizations
  2. Identify the type of legal help you need
  3. Visit the organization’s website or call them
  4. Ask about eligibility, appointments, and language support

Because legal services are often in high demand, you may need to leave a message or complete an intake form.

Language Access

Many legal organizations offer:

  • Multilingual staff
  • Interpretation services
  • Translated forms and materials

If English is difficult for you, ask for language assistance when you call.

Important Notes

  • Beware of immigration scams or notarios who are not licensed attorneys
  • Always confirm that you are working with a qualified legal professional
  • Use trusted nonprofits like those listed here

Need Immediate Help?

If you are facing:

  • Deportation
  • Court deadlines
  • Domestic violence
  • Loss of housing or benefits

Contact a legal aid organization as soon as possible.

This page is a community guide and does not replace legal advice from a licensed attorney.