Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc.
Serving the Tennessee counties of Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale and Tipton.
Hablas Espanol? Póngase en contacto con nosotros en el (901) 523-8822.
Mals 40th

Welcome to Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc.’s Website
A Case For Your Support!

Harrison D. McIverMemphis Area Legal Services, Inc. (MALS) entered its fifth decade with the same commitment and determination that inspired 30 members of the legal profession in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death to coalesce around a shared vision to establish an organization whose single purpose was to provide a means by which the legal problems of the poor could be addressed.

Today, MALS continues that tradition of “excellence in legal advocacy,” as a non-profit, public service law firm committed to provide the highest quality legal assistance possible to the most vulnerable residents of our community. 

Even with a dedicated staff, it cannot meet the overwhelming demand for legal assistance today. The challenges are more acute because the widening of the “justice gap” is exacerbated by the economic woes of our time. The recent census reveals that more than 57 million individuals live at or below the poverty line, representing more than a 14 million increase since the 2000 Decennial Census.

The 2011 Campaign for Equal Justice exceeded its $325,000 goal and reached an unprecedented milestone of raising over $350,000.We thank George “Buck” Lewis and the Campaign Cabinet for its tireless efforts.  Even that amount is not enough. We had to cut expenses, predictably, in the personnel area. We are down 10.5 full-time equivalent positions caused by a loss of over $300,000 entering 2012 fiscal year, largely due to nearly a 20% reduction in federal funding. Consequently, your support in 2012 through your volunteerism (pro bono) and gifts are more crucial today than ever.

What can you do?  Please volunteer your time willingly and generously contribute to the campaign. To give a tax-deductible gift, select “Contribute Now” at the top of the page.

Again, welcome to our website.  We hope you find it informative and leave with a better understanding of the various activities and important services we provide our community.
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Volunteer Opportunities

DISASTER LEGAL ASSISTANCE

On May 10th, 2011, the Mississippi River and surrounding tributaries are expected to crest at several feet above their flood stages. This expected flooding, along with the damage from the storms that blew through Tennessee and Mississippi in late April, are disasters that the attorneys of Memphis, Shelby County and other parts of West Tennessee, can help the public deal with through the provision of disaster related legal assistance. Volunteer attorneys will be available to consult by telephone and sometimes in person to victims of this disaster. Victims can call 523-8822 for a referral to a volunteer attorney. For victims of the disaster with non-legal needs, contact the main VOAD line to speak to Fred Detwiler or send an email to: fatherfred@detdist.com.

Attorneys and other legal professionals can volunteer by contacting Memphis Area Legal Services at 901.523.8822 and asking for Linda Warren Seely. In this section, volunteers can find important links to training materials and free on-line CLE from the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Click on any link below to learn more.

MALS