Civil Division
The Civil Division, created in 1916, continues to provide free legal assistance to needy Milwaukee residents with serious civil legal problems involving family law, consumer law, public benefits, housing law, unemployment compensation, and civil rights and discrimination matters.
Although the Legal Aid Society's clients have substantial interests at stake involving matters such as shelter, family, safety, and basic necessities, they are not eligible for representation at government expense through court appointed lawyers as would be the case in normal criminal matters. That is why Legal Aid's free legal assistance through its Civil Division meets critical needs in the greater Milwaukee community and serves the mission of "Equal Justice Under Law".
The Civil Division (Tel. 727-5300) conducts regular walk-in hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Civil Division offers legal assistance to nearly two thousand people each year.
The Legal Aid Society's Civil Division has seven targeted programs to address the needs of specific client groups.
The AIDS Law, Education, Representation and Training (ALERT) Program provides legal assistance research, education, and training services for people living with HIV/AIDS or who are at risk of infection due to behaviors or exposures.
The Municipal Ordinance Defense (MOD) Program represents low-income Milwaukee residents charged with violating various (non-traffic) municipal ordinances.
The Outreach and Advocacy (OATH) Program provides legal assistance, through outreach, to homeless persons at Milwaukee area meal sites and homeless centers.
The Helping the Elderly with Legal Problems (HELP) Program provides assistance to people over the age of 50 in matters involving public benefits, housing, consumer, and health issues.
The Sojourner Truth/Legal Aid Combined Effort (SOLACE) Program provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence at the Sojourner Truth House shelter location.
The Taxpayer Advocacy and Counseling Service (TACS) Program provides legal assistance to Milwaukee County residents who have tax problems.
The Advocacy for Low Income Neighborhood Equity (A-LINE) Program provides civil legal representation to combat predatory lending practices as it relates to home equity loans.