Statewide Legal Aid Organizations
- Iowa Legal Aid
- Provides free civil legal services to low-income Iowans (housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights).
- Website: iowalegalaid.org
- Statewide Hotline: 1-800-532-1275
- Regional Offices:
- Des Moines: 1-515-243-2151
- Cedar Rapids: 1-319-364-9107
- Davenport: 1-563-324-9543
- Council Bluffs: 1-712-328-2541
- Sioux City: 1-712-255-8716
- Disability Rights Iowa (DRI)
- Advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
- Website: disabilityrightsiowa.org
- Phone: 1-800-779-2502
- Iowa State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Low-cost consultations with attorneys.
- Website: iowabar.org/lawyer-referral
- Phone: 1-800-532-1108
Specialized Legal Assistance
- Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV)
- Legal support for survivors of domestic violence.
- Website: icadv.org
- 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-770-1650
- Justice For Our Neighbors Iowa (JFON-IA)
- Immigration legal services (DACA, asylum, family petitions).
- Website: jfoniowa.org
- Phone: 1-515-255-9809
- Iowa Veterans Legal Assistance Program (IVLAP)
- Free legal help for veterans.
- Website: iowalegalaid.org/veterans
- Phone: 1-800-532-1275
- Senior Legal Hotline (Iowa Legal Aid)
- Free legal assistance for residents 60+ (elder abuse, Medicare, housing).
- Website: iowalegalaid.org/seniors
- Iowa Migrant Legal Aid
- Legal services for migrant workers and immigrants.
- Website: iowamigrantlegalaid.org
Hotlines
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-770-1650 (ICADV).
- Tenant Rights Hotline: 1-800-532-1275 (Iowa Legal Aid).
- Senior Legal Helpline: 1-800-532-1275 (Iowa Legal Aid).
- Disability Rights Hotline: 1-800-779-2502 (Disability Rights Iowa).
Self-Help and Referral Tools
- Iowa Courts Online Self-Help Center
- Free forms, guides, and resources for self-representation.
- Website: iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/self-help
- LawHelp Iowa
- Legal information and referrals.
- Website: lawhelpiowa.org
- Iowa Legal Aid Forms & Guides
- Website: iowalegalaid.org/self-help
Pro Bono Programs
- Iowa State Bar Association Pro Bono Program
- Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys.
- Website: iowabar.org/pro-bono
- Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
- Free legal clinics in the Des Moines area.
- Website: polkcountybar.org/vlp
Law School Clinics
- University of Iowa College of Law Clinics
- Services in immigration, criminal defense, and juvenile justice.
- Website: law.uiowa.edu/clinics
- Drake University Law School Clinics
- Focus on family law, immigration, and veterans’ rights.
- Website: law.drake.edu/clinics
Native American Legal Resources
- Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa Legal Department
- Legal services for Meskwaki tribal members.
- Website: meskwaki.org
- Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
- National advocacy for Indigenous communities.
- Website: narf.org
Key Notes
- Eligibility: Most programs prioritize low-income residents (under 200% of the federal poverty level).
- Apply Online: Iowa Legal Aid offers an online intake form: iowalegalaid.org/apply.
- Urgent Issues: For emergencies (evictions, domestic violence), contact hotlines directly.
- Tribal Members: Contact the Meskwaki Nation Legal Department or NARF for advocacy.