During this giving season and as we approach the New Year, the Ramsey County Law Library is grateful for several local organizations we have worked with over the years to help increase access to justice for our residents. If you are looking to donate to a worthy cause, we encourage you to consider the following non-profit organizations:
- Volunteer Lawyers Network: Established in 1966, Volunteer Lawyers Network, Ltd. (VLN) is a 501(c)3 non-profit which provides civil legal services to low-income people through volunteer attorneys. VLN’s mission is to protect and promote the basic human needs of people in poverty through the power of legal volunteers. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, VLN provided 5,826 free legal services to 4,943 low-income Minnesotans in need. VLN supports the patrons of Ramsey County Law Library by assisting with our monthly criminal expungement self-help clinic.
- Neighborhood Justice Center: Neighborhood Justice Center (NJC) was born from a vision of a more just criminal justice system, free from racism and discrimination. NJC launched as a non-profit organization in 1973 by a passionate group of community advocates, attorneys, judges, and neighbors. As one of the longest-standing public defense corporations in Minnesota, their team provides the highest quality legal support, at no or low cost to clients. NJC supports the patrons of Ramsey County Law Library by assisting with our monthly criminal expungement self-help clinic.
- Minnesota Justice Foundation: Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) was incorporated in 1982 by a group of University of Minnesota law students who were concerned about serving their communities. These visionary students believed that lawyers and law students have a special professional obligation to provide quality legal services to those who cannot afford legal representation. In addition, they were committed to improving the law school environment and the legal profession by calling attention to the need for legal services for low-income individuals and for creating pro bono opportunities for law students and lawyers. MJF has helped to support the patrons of Ramsey County Law Library by assisting with some of our law clinics. Bonus: If you are a Target shopper, look for MJF in your Target circle app. They are in the voting cycle until Dec. 31.
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: Founded in 1909, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) is the oldest legal aid provider in the state. Originally established as a branch of Associated Charities, to provide legal advice and representation to low-income people, the organization became Legal Assistance of Ramsey County (LARC) in 1966 and was among the first legal aid programs in the country to receive federal funding. In 1979, LARC was merged into SMRLS when services were expanded to cover the southern third of the state. SMRLS currently serves the 33 counties of southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities’ east and south metro, as well as agricultural workers throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.
