Legal Aid of Arkansas Inc

Legal Aid of Arkansas was formed 50 years ago to provide free civil legal services for people who cannot afford to pay an attorney. The assistance provided ranges from advice and other forms of brief service to extended representation in court and at administrative hearings. Legal Aid conducts outreach and education, provides referrals to other sources of assistance and coordinates 827 private attorneys who donate their services to Legal Aid's clients.

To champion equal justice for low-income people and to remedy the conditions that burden and marginalize them. The goals are to reduce poverty and provide equal access to the justice system. Clients will be provided a range of legal assistance, from advice to extended services. The level of services will be based on the need of the client after legal assessment, based on case acceptance priorities established by the Legal Aid board of directors. Services will focus on areas that will have the greatest impact, with the goal of bringing about systemic change. Legal Aid will focus on Access to Safe and Affordable Housing, Protection from Domestic Violence, Consumer Issues and Economic Justice. Data shows 25% of Crittenden County residents are living below the poverty level and have no income to hire an attorney. When accessing the justice system, the most humble among us should be the peer of the most affluent. That is only a dream for someone without means unless the availability of Legal Aid services is assured. Advice may include sending a client a letter explaining the law as applied to their legal problem. Extended service could include appearing with the client in court.