The MSBA is committed to eliminating barriers to access for low income Minnesotans by connecting members with opportunities to serve legal services clients. Through presentations, trainings, recognition and articles, the MSBA promotes the value and importance of pro bono work, as expressed in Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.  In addition, the MSBA works to increase access to lower cost legal services, such as unbundled/limited scope and sliding fee.

The Minnesota State Bar Association is proud to recognize members who provide 50 hours or more of pro bono legal services per year as North Star Lawyers. Lawyers who serve the poor without charge should be celebrated. By generously donating their time and talent, they change lives. They help people who otherwise could not afford counsel achieve justice. The Minnesota State Bar Association is tremendously proud of our members who render free legal services to low-income persons. This year, over 970 members will be certified as North Star Lawyers, and receive public recognition through the state media.

The MSBA supports ProJusticeMN.org, a collaboration with the Legal Services State Support Center and Pro Bono Net designed to provide a central online resource for pro bono lawyers. This resource provides access to an extensive library of forms and practice materials, news items, an events calendar, a directory of pro bono and legal service providers and postings of new pro bono opportunities. Membership to the website is free for pro bono lawyers, legal services staff and law students. 

The MSBA helps develop statewide policies to provide more comprehensive legal assistance for Minnesota's low-income clients and generate resources for programs that serve those individuals. 

• Funding for civil legal services in Minnesota fails to ensure justice for all. Civil Legal Aid in Minnesota 2017(infographic)
• The MSBA supports funding for civil legal services at the Minnesota Legislature. 
• The MSBA supports funding for the federal Legal Services Corporation. Learn more. 
• The MSBA encourages members to bank at Prime Partner banks. These banks pay a higher interest rate on IOLTA accounts, and interest on IOLTA accounts is used to fund civil legal service providers. Learn More.

Access to Justice - Assessing Implementation of Civil Gideon in Minnesota contains detailed information about low income people's needs for representation in matters involving basic human needs, the impacts when counsel is not available, and recommendations for addressing the justice gap.

A legislative proposal to establish a civil right to counsel for tenants  in public housing breach of lease cases is pending.