Official Iowa programs when you may not need — or cannot afford — private counsel. We link out so you apply on the provider's site; we do not charge referral fees.
Iowa Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Iowans. They operate offices serving all 99 counties but are often over capacity. Eligible cases in most counties may also be referred to volunteer attorneys through Iowa Legal Aid's statewide Volunteer Lawyers Project. Apply online or call before assuming you must hire private counsel.
When to use
Eviction, domestic abuse, public benefits, consumer debt, and other civil issues when income qualifies.
Eligibility
Generally households at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for civil matters.
Official Iowa Judicial Branch Q&A tool for preparing court forms in plain language. Save your answers and finish later, then follow the printed instructions for signing and filing. Court staff cannot give legal advice — complex matters may still need a lawyer.
When to use
Divorce, name change, fee waiver, protective orders, child support modification, and small claims when filing without an attorney.
Eligibility
Self-represented litigants; some interviews have income guidelines.
Official Iowa Judicial Branch hub for people without attorneys. Covers court rules, FAQs, self-help guides, and links to fillable forms. Most filers must use the statewide eFile system unless the court grants a paper-filing exception.
When to use
Understanding Iowa court procedure, e-file requirements, small claims, family law overviews, and when to hire counsel.
Self-help legal information maintained for Iowa residents. Useful for understanding court processes, forms, and whether you may need a lawyer. Does not provide legal advice.
When to use
Self-help forms, court procedure overviews, and plain-English legal topics.
Virtual pro bono clinic where qualifying Iowans can post civil legal questions and volunteer attorneys respond online. Not a substitute for emergency counsel or ongoing representation.
When to use
Brief civil legal questions that do not require full representation.
Eligibility
Income-qualified users; not for emergencies or criminal matters.
Polk County Bar Association volunteer attorney network. Residents apply through Iowa Legal Aid intake — do not contact the VLP directly. If your case qualifies, Iowa Legal Aid may refer you to a Polk County volunteer lawyer.
When to use
Polk County residents who qualify for civil legal aid and may be referred to a volunteer attorney.
Eligibility
Income and case-type restrictions apply; intake through Iowa Legal Aid.
Regional pro bono placement for Scott and Clinton County residents. Apply through Iowa Legal Aid online or by phone — eligible cases may be matched with a volunteer attorney after screening. Do not contact the pro bono project directly before intake.
When to use
Scott or Clinton County residents who qualify for civil legal aid and may receive a volunteer attorney referral.
Eligibility
Income and case-type restrictions apply; intake through Iowa Legal Aid.
Drake University law students provide limited-scope legal services under faculty supervision in Des Moines. Which programs accept new clients changes by semester and case type — call before assuming representation is available. For general civil needs, start with Iowa Legal Aid intake.
When to use
Select civil, court-appointed criminal, immigration, and transactional matters when a Drake clinic program is accepting clients.
Eligibility
Varies by clinic program; appointment required. Services are provided by supervised law students — not a private law firm.
University of Iowa law students handle real cases through faculty-supervised practice groups in Iowa City. Scope is limited to active clinic programs — visit the clinic site to see which groups are taking matters. Most general civil intake should still start with Iowa Legal Aid.
When to use
Immigration, select federal matters, community advocacy, and other cases matching an Iowa Law clinic practice group when intake is open.
Eligibility
Varies by practice group; not all matters are accepted. Supervised law students — educational clinic, not private counsel.
Statewide Volunteer Lawyers Project coordinated by Iowa Legal Aid. Eligible low-income Iowans apply through Iowa Legal Aid intake — do not contact the VLP directly. If your matter qualifies, Iowa Legal Aid may match you with a volunteer attorney in your area.
When to use
Statewide civil legal aid referrals to volunteer attorneys when Iowa Legal Aid cannot place the case in-house.
Eligibility
Income and case-type restrictions apply; intake through Iowa Legal Aid.
Linn County Bar Association volunteer attorney network serving the Cedar Rapids area. Residents apply through Iowa Legal Aid intake — eligible cases may be referred to a Linn County volunteer lawyer after screening.
When to use
Linn County residents who qualify for civil legal aid and may be referred to a volunteer attorney.
Eligibility
Income and case-type restrictions apply; intake through Iowa Legal Aid.
Iowa Judicial Branch access-to-justice hub linking self-represented litigants to forms, guides, and court programs. For legal advice or representation, use Iowa Legal Aid intake or hire private counsel.
When to use
Finding court self-help resources, forms, and statewide access-to-justice initiatives.
Disability Rights Iowa helps students and families with special-education and disability-rights issues in schools, including 504 plans and IEP meetings. Start with their intake line before hiring private education counsel. Iowa Legal Aid may also help low-income families with related civil-rights matters.
When to use
504 plans, IEP disputes, school discipline affecting a child with a disability, and special-education rights.
Eligibility
Students with disabilities and families; intake required.
Des Moines nonprofit whose attorneys represent children in juvenile and family law matters. Call the legal hotline or contact the office to ask about intake — open by appointment. For general civil legal aid (eviction, debt, divorce), start with Iowa Legal Aid; YLC focuses on children's legal issues.
When to use
Juvenile delinquency, child in need of assistance (CINA), foster care, adoption, and other legal issues affecting children when YLC may accept the matter.
Eligibility
Children and families in juvenile court, foster care, adoption, and related child-welfare matters; intake required.
The Iowa Judicial Branch self-help hub explains court procedure for people without attorneys, including when you may need your own counsel after being subpoenaed or charged. This is general information — not legal advice for your specific case.
When to use
Questions about receiving a subpoena, appearing as a witness, or basic criminal court procedure.
The Iowa State Public Defender provides court-appointed criminal defense when eligibility requirements are met. If you were arrested or charged, ask the court at your first appearance about appointed counsel. Iowa Legal Aid does not handle most criminal defense matters.
When to use
Criminal charges, arrest, or questions about court-appointed counsel eligibility.
Eligibility
Varies by charge and income; court appoints counsel in qualifying criminal cases.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes and similar facilities. Complaints about neglect or abuse can be reported to the ombudsman and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Serious injury cases may also need a private attorney.
When to use
Nursing home neglect, abuse complaints, resident rights, and care-quality concerns.
Eligibility
Residents of Iowa nursing homes and assisted-living facilities and their families.
Iowa small claims court handles many disputes up to the current statutory dollar limit (check the Iowa Judicial Branch site for the latest amount). Many people represent themselves using official court forms. Complex or high-value matters may still need an attorney.
When to use
Disputes over money, property damage, or contract issues that may qualify for small claims without a lawyer.
Eligibility
Self-represented litigants; claims must be within the statutory limit.
Voluntary ISBA directory. A listing does not indicate specialization. RateIowaLawyers.com is an independent directory and is not the official ISBA tool.
When to use
Alternative directory search; participating attorneys may offer low-cost initial consults.
