Legal Access Point
What is Legal Access Point?
Legal Access Point (LAP) is a joint partnership between the Fourth Judicial District Court, the Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MNLRIS), and the Volunteer Lawyer Network (VLN). LAP volunteers offer brief advice to members of the public who are facing legal issues in areas in which the attorney is comfortable advising. Attorneys volunteer for a two-hour shift each month and spend an average of 15 to 20 minutes with each client. Services might include:
- Clarifying the legal issue
- Advising whether to bring a lawsuit
- Outlining legal options, practical options, and first steps
- Suggesting language to use on a form, pleading, or letter
- Recommending that the client hire an attorney or referring the client to other agencies, if appropriate
MNLRIS attorneys volunteer Monday through Friday 9:00 –11:00 a.m. and Mondays 1:00–3:00 p.m. (no income restrictions for clients).
Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) attorneys volunteer Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (clients must have household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline).
LAP is located at the Fourth Judicial District Self Help Center on the skyway level of the Hennepin County Government Center.
Interested in volunteering for LAP? Contact Carolina at celizondo@mnbars.org to get involved.