"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights
of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31: 8-9

he Mission First Legal Aid Office was established by the Mississippi College School of Law and Mission First to answer God’s call to seek justice and mercy by providing legal services and spiritual counsel to underserved residents of metropolitan Jackson whose household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.   While faith motivates our desire to serve, we are non-sectarian and in no way limit our services to any race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion or any other basis other than emphasizing services to those in need.

Legal Services

Mission First Legal Aid Office offers a variety of legal services that assist residents with maintaining their lives and families. The primary areas of legal services are:
• Family Law
• Consumer Law
• Government Benefit Programs
• Housing
• Debtor/Creditor Issues

Matters not handled by Mission First Legal Aid Office include Criminal, Workers’ Compensation, Divorce, and Personal Injury.

Financial Eligibility for Legal Assistance

Mission First Legal Aid Office serves residents of metropolitan Jackson, Mississippi whose household income does not exceed 200% of the 2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines.  A Financial Eligibility Determination Form must be completed by each client prior to the delivery of legal services.

Eligibility Guidelines

Volunteer Opportunities

The Legal Aid Office relies extensively on volunteers to serve its clientele.  The following categories of volunteers are needed:

Attorneys will meet with and advise clients and oversee the resolution of the problem.  Attorneys may work onsite at the West Park location and provide ad hoc telephone advice in particular areas of expertise and/or take referred cases that are beyond the scope of the Legal Aid Office resources. Volunteer attorneys will be provided CLE training. 

Law students will gain valuable experience and insight into the practice of law. Opportunities at the Legal Aid Office will complement classroom instruction and provide students the chance to interact with clients and local attorneys.  Duties performed by the law students include conducting intake interviews, completing intake forms, checking for conflicts, reviewing court documents, scheduling appointments, summarizing legal issues, drafting correspondence, and assisting with research and document preparation.

Administrative personnel will include paralegals, legal secretaries, and others who assist with client intake, document review, and administrative duties.