Since 1968, Legal Action of Wisconsin has served as one of the state’s largest non-profit law firms dedicated to providing civil legal services. With a presence in six major Wisconsin cities, including Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and La Crosse, they act as a vital bridge to the justice system for residents in 39 counties.
What They Do
Legal Action specializes in civil law, providing expert legal representation to low-income individuals and veterans who might not otherwise have access to an attorney. Their work focuses on the essentials of life, including:
- Housing: Helping families navigate landlord-tenant issues and prevent homelessness.
- Safety: Assisting survivors of domestic violence in securing legal protections.
- Economic Stability: Helping people access public benefits or resolve issues with consumer debt.
Culture & Values
The team at Legal Action is driven by a shared commitment to equity and service. The culture is collaborative and mission-focused, attracting people who are passionate about community well-being. It is a place where empathy meets expertise, and where staff members work together to ensure that every Wisconsin resident has a voice in the courtroom.
Entry Points for Students & Grads
For students and recent graduates looking to gain experience in the legal or non-profit sectors, Legal Action offers several meaningful paths:
- Law Clerkships: Law & pre-Law students can gain hands-on experience by researching cases, drafting documents, and assisting with client interviews.
- Paralegal Roles: Great for grads interested in the technical side of the law, helping manage cases and support litigation.
- Intake Specialists: Often an entry-level way to learn the ropes by being the first point of contact for community members seeking help.
- Community Outreach Internships: Opportunities for students in communications or social work to help raise awareness about available legal resources.
Why Legal Action?
Working with Legal Action is a fantastic way to see the direct impact of the law on local communities. For a student or a new grad, it offers a supportive environment to develop high-level problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the Wisconsin legal system. It’s a career path for those who want to use their professional skills to strengthen the community and help their neighbours achieve stability and peace of mind.

Computer & Data Science double major, and Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn