Iowa Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in Iowa, the organizations below may be a good place to start. Availability depends on the type of case, your income, and where you live. Some programs handle civil matters only, while public defenders generally assist with qualifying criminal cases.
Main Legal Aid Provider
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low income residents throughout the state. Services may include help with housing issues, family law matters, domestic violence protection, consumer problems, and public benefits.
Address
1111 9th Street
Suite 230
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone
(800) 532-1275
Website
https://www.iowalegalaid.org
State Legal Information Site
Iowa Legal Aid Law Help
Iowa Legal Aid provides legal information and resources that help individuals understand their rights and locate legal assistance throughout the state.
Website
https://www.iowalegalaid.org
Free Online Legal Answers
Iowa Free Legal Answers
Iowa Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive answers from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://iowa.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Programs
Iowa Volunteer Lawyers Project
The Iowa Volunteer Lawyers Project connects qualifying individuals with volunteer attorneys who may provide free legal assistance.
Address
625 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 243-3904
Website
https://www.iowabar.org
Iowa Legal Aid Domestic Violence Project
Iowa Legal Aid operates programs that provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and help individuals obtain protection orders and related legal support.
Website
https://www.iowalegalaid.org
Law School Clinics
University of Iowa College of Law Legal Clinics
The University of Iowa College of Law offers legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide assistance in selected legal matters.
Clinic areas may include:
• Family law
• Immigration law
• Criminal defense
• Community empowerment law
Website
https://law.uiowa.edu/academics/clinical-program
Lawyer Directory or Referral
Iowa State Bar Association Find-A-Lawyer
The Iowa State Bar Association provides a lawyer directory that can help individuals locate licensed attorneys throughout Iowa.
Website
https://www.iowabar.org
Public Defender
Iowa State Public Defender
If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you.
Address
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone
(515) 281-5976
Website
https://spd.iowa.gov
Court and Self-Help Links
Iowa Judicial Branch
The Iowa Judicial Branch website provides court forms, legal information, and self-help resources for individuals representing themselves in Iowa courts.
Website
https://www.iowacourts.gov
Important Note
Court locations, office hours, and program availability can change. Please confirm details directly with the organization before relying on this information.
ProBonoLawyers.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This website should be considered a directory intended to help people locate legal resources that may offer pro bono or reduced cost services. Use of this site does not create an attorney client relationship.