About Iowa Legal Aid
Restoring hope, dignity, and justice to Iowans in need
Who We Are
A nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal help and advocacy for underserved Iowans.
Our Mission
To make hope, dignity, and justice available to low-income Iowans by providing free legal help, and empowering Iowans to advocate for their rights.
What We Do
We fight for those who otherwise couldn’t afford a lawyer — so they can protect what matters most in their lives.
Every day, low-income Iowans face overwhelming legal problems. In 2024, we helped over 31,000 people, including domestic violence survivors, older Iowans, and children.
- Legal representation & advice
- Legal clinics & workshops
- Community outreach & advocacy
Areas of Focus
Housing Stability
Eviction, housing assistance, rentals in need of repair, housing discrimination
Income Protection
Social Security overpayments or terminations, Medicaid issues, Medicare, Food assistance, Unemployment
Family
Custody, divorce, protective orders
Disaster Recovery
Insurance claims, contractor fraud, applying for government disaster benefits
Consumer Protection
Garnishment and bankruptcy
What We Don’t Handle
Criminal Cases
Immigration
Personal Injury
Political Activity
Client Stories
What’s at stake when you can’t afford legal help? Our clients have faced problems like homelessness, threats to their safety, and loss of income.
From Crisis to Stability
Iowa Legal Aid was appointed to represent Ashley after her children were removed due to substance abuse.
Breaking the Cycle
Tammy first connected with Iowa Legal Aid through the Community Schools Project for help with employment.
Protecting What Matters Most
Molly faced a challenge common to many seniors: her husband’s health was failing, and he needed long-term care.
From Sleepless Nights to Peace of Mind
Dennis and Pricilla moved to western Iowa from California in 2007, buying a home before their California house sold.
Iowa Legal Aid Helps Resolve Roof and Insurance Dispute After Derecho
Iowa Legal Aid Helps Sioux City Resident Keep Critical Disability Benefits
A Path to Safety for Natasha and Her Five Children
Closing the Justice Gap
While we impact tens of thousands, many still face unfair outcomes without legal support. This often triggers a domino effect, impacting their basic needs.
Our Approach
Go where the need is.
Many people don’t realize that help is available. We actively seek out these individuals through special projects and our local offices statewide. By being present in our communities, we make justice more accessible to all.
Do more with less.
As a nonprofit, we’ve mastered the art of efficiency. Our resourceful attorneys handle an average of 350 cases each — far more than traditional firms. This approach maximizes our impact despite limited resources.
Work together in the community.
We partner with schools, social services, and other organizations to enhance our impact. These collaborations help us identify needs, strengthen our advocacy, and connect clients with additional support to thrive.
Our Reach
- Serving Iowa since 1977
- 10 offices serving all 99 counties
- Statewide support through 1-800 phone lines and website
- Rural areas served with the Justice Bus
Our Team
“One of the biggest strengths of Iowa Legal Aid is the commitment of its team. These are great lawyers, paralegals, and support staff who could make a lot more money working elsewhere, but they have an incredible commitment to serving their client base. They deserve accolades across the board. Their services are desperately needed, and to have people so dedicated to filling that need is truly amazing.”
Karen Shaff
Former General Counsel at Principal Financial Group, Board Member
Join Our Community of Supporters
Every day, underserved Iowans face legal challenges that threaten their basic needs. Together, we can give each person a voice and create a fairer legal system for all.
Legal Services Corporation
Iowa Legal Aid receives funds from the Legal Services Corporation. You can review the Legal Services Act along with its implementing regulations and related rules and guidance at www.lsc.gov.
