Pro bono civil legal aid is free assistance for people who are experiencing a non-criminal legal issue and are unable to afford an attorney. The U.S. Constitution grants the right to an attorney in a criminal case, but no such assurance is allowed for non-criminal, also called “civil,” cases. WEJF raises funds for three of the largest providers of pro bono civil legal aid in Wisconsin. Learn more by exploring this website.
Problems Assisted by Civil Legal Aid
If you are facing life-altering and sometimes life-threatening problems like being forced from your home, escaping domestic violence, seeking educational support for your child, or appealing a denial of veterans benefits, you have to figure out how to navigate the court and other governmental systems. If you are lucky enough to afford an attorney, you have an expert to help you with the often overwhelming process and make the proper legal arguments. If you cannot afford an attorney, you are left to fend for yourself. That’s not justice for all. That’s justice for the rich. Civil legal aid provides justice for all.
How Civil Legal Aid is Funded in Wisconsin
Legal aid providers in Wisconsin receive grants through WisTAF. That funding comes from IOLTA, PILSF, and other sources. Providers may seek their own funding and have individual fundraising efforts. Three legal aid providers in the state are beneficiaries of funds raised by WEJF. Two providers receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). The LSC operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that promotes equal access to justice and provides grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. LSC distributes more than 90% of its funding to 132 independent nonprofit legal aid programs with more than 890 offices.