Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

- 3303 Plaza Dr #5, New Albany, IN 47150

When facing a legal challenge, the cost of hiring an attorney can be a significant barrier for many people. Fortunately, for low-income residents of Indiana, a vital resource exists to bridge this gap: Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS). ILS is a nonprofit law firm and the largest provider of free civil legal assistance to eligible individuals throughout the state. Their mission is to use the law to fight poverty and racism, empower clients, and improve access to justice for those who need it most. They are not a private, for-profit law firm, but a dedicated organization committed to serving the public good. Their work covers a wide spectrum of legal matters that can harm a person's ability to obtain basic needs such as food, shelter, income, and personal safety. The New Albany office of ILS serves as a critical local hub, offering a lifeline to people in the community who are navigating complex legal problems without the financial means to hire an attorney. Their legal support can be a powerful tool for empowering individuals and families to secure a better future.

The role of Indiana Legal Services is to act as a legal advocate for those who are most vulnerable. This includes people who are facing issues with housing, family safety, access to public benefits, and consumer matters. Their attorneys, like Mrs. Conrad and Monica mentioned in a client review, often go above and beyond to provide compassionate and dedicated service. One client's testimonial is particularly powerful, giving "100 stars" to Mrs. Conrad for her dedication in four separate cases, noting that she "puts her heart into her job." The client expresses deep gratitude, feeling glad to have her and Monica on her side no matter the outcome. This type of personal, empathetic service is a hallmark of ILS's approach. However, another client’s review brings up important points about the firm's limitations and the sometimes-difficult nature of legal proceedings. This client expressed disappointment with a specific family court outcome and noted a misunderstanding about the firm's services, specifically that they do not assist with criminal charges. This is a crucial point to understand, as ILS, like most legal aid organizations, focuses exclusively on civil (non-criminal) cases. This is by design, as criminal cases have a separate system of public defenders for low-income individuals. This feedback, both positive and critical, helps paint a realistic picture of the services and shows the real-world impact of their work.

The office of Indiana Legal Services, Inc. is conveniently located at 3303 Plaza Dr #5, New Albany, IN 47150, USA. This location makes it accessible for residents throughout the region who are in need of legal assistance. The organization is committed to making its services physically accessible to all clients, as evidenced by the amenities it provides. The office features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can visit the office comfortably. It is important to note that while ILS is a walk-in location, it is a non-profit that relies on a specific application process to determine eligibility for services. Their application process can be completed online or by phone. They generally help clients whose income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, though some projects have different eligibility criteria. This structured intake process ensures that their limited resources are directed to the people who are in the greatest need of free legal support. The physical location and accessibility are a testament to their commitment to serving the community on all levels.

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. specializes in a comprehensive range of civil legal issues, which are legal problems where no one is at risk of going to jail. Their services are designed to help people who are facing legal challenges that affect their basic well-being. This can be anything from housing disputes that could lead to homelessness to family law issues that impact a child’s safety. They do not handle criminal matters, as the second review pointed out. This is a standard practice for legal aid organizations, as public defenders are assigned to criminal cases for those who cannot afford an attorney. The firm's expertise covers a variety of crucial legal areas, providing a vital safety net for the community. The legal support offered is extensive, as seen in the wide array of legal topics they can assist with. Their services aim to address the root causes of poverty and inequality by providing legal remedies to systemic problems. For those with civil legal problems, they are an invaluable resource.

Services offered include:

• Adult Guardianship
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Civil Legal Case assistance
• Criminal Record Expungement
• Debt Defense and Wage Garnishment
• Divorce and Child Support
• Driver’s License Reinstatement
• Estate Planning and Power of Attorney
• Free Legal Services and Legal Aid
• Landlord/Tenant Law and Tenant Eviction
• Legal Advocacy and Support
• Public Benefits Assistance
• Senior Law
• Tax Legal matters and Tax Problems

Several key features and highlights make Indiana Legal Services, Inc. a unique and essential organization in the New Albany community. The most significant highlight is their non-profit status and their commitment to providing free legal assistance to eligible low-income Hoosiers. This model ensures that justice is not just for those who can afford it. Their wide range of services, from landlord/tenant disputes to public benefits assistance, makes them a versatile resource for people with a variety of pressing issues. The physical accessibility of their office, with a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and restroom, also underscores their commitment to serving all members of the community. A review from a client who was so impressed that they would hire a legal aid professional "over an actuall atturney" speaks volumes about the high level of care and dedication their team provides. The fact that the organization provides legal support for complex cases, like the one described in the review, demonstrates their capacity to handle challenging situations with professionalism and heart. The firm’s mission to fight poverty and racism through legal means is a powerful reason to support their work and to seek their assistance if you are eligible.

Features and highlights:

• Non-profit organization providing free legal services
• Specializes in civil legal matters (no criminal cases)
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Onsite restroom amenities
• Dedicated to assisting low-income individuals

If you are a resident of Indiana and believe you may be eligible for their services, you can contact Indiana Legal Services, Inc. at their New Albany office. The address is 3303 Plaza Dr #5, New Albany, IN 47150, USA. You can reach them by phone at (812) 945-4123. The organization has a structured intake process to determine eligibility, so it is best to be prepared with information about your household size, income, and the nature of your legal problem. While they cannot assist everyone, their goal is to provide a helpful response and, if they cannot take your case, to direct you to other potential resources. Contacting them is the first step toward finding a solution to your civil legal problem.

What is worth choosing about Indiana Legal Services, Inc. is their unwavering dedication to providing equal access to justice. For those who cannot afford a private attorney, they are an invaluable resource and a powerful advocate. While the firm may not be able to accept every case, their mission and impact on the community are undeniable. They are a professional organization that offers a vast range of legal services, addressing a wide array of civil issues that affect the daily lives of low-income Hoosiers. The positive reviews from clients who have been helped by the dedicated staff, as well as the honest feedback about their limitations, demonstrate a commitment to transparency and a genuine desire to help. By choosing to apply for legal services with ILS, you are connecting with an organization that is not motivated by profit, but by a mission to fight for the rights and well-being of the community's most vulnerable members. They are a critical part of the legal infrastructure in Indiana, providing hope and support when it is needed most.

Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

3303 Plaza Dr #5, New Albany, IN 47150, USA