Clients

Client Services

If you need help for a civil legal problem and do not have the money to hire a lawyer to help you, Access to Justice, Inc., has the programs/projects listed below for which you may qualify. The Access to Justice program can not guarantee that an attorney will be found for every case that is accepted for participation and makes no assurances with regard to the outcome of any case handled by attorneys participating in these programs/projects.

Pro Bono Program

The state pro bono program supplements legal services currently being provided by Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services. Cases accepted for participation in the pro bono program are referred to volunteer attorneys who donate their time to help indigent (low-income) people with their legal problems without charging them a fee. Pro bono clients are, however, responsible for payment of case costs. More information about the pro bono program.

Modest Means (Reduced Fee) Program

In an effort to improve the availability of services to those of moderate income in South Dakota and supplement services being provided to the indigent by the state pro bono program, the State Bar of South Dakota and Access to Justice program developed a modest means (reduced fee) program. Cases accepted for participation in the modest means program are referred to lawyers who have agreed to consider representing eligible clients for a reduced fee. Modest means clients are also responsible for payment of case costs. More information about the modest means (reduced fee) program.

Wills/Advanced Directives Project

The Wills/Advance Directives project enables handicapped people and senior citizens (persons 60 years of age and older) who meet income/asset guidelines to get free legal help with the preparation of simple wills and advance directives (durable power of attorney, power of attorney for health care decisions, living will, etc.) Referrals are made to volunteer lawyers in your community for preparation of the documents/instruments needed. More information about the wills/advanced directives project.