Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. – Memphis, TN

Fairness and Justice for All

Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. (MALS) is the primary provider of civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and the elderly in Southwest Tennessee. Founded in 1970, this non-profit law firm operates with a powerful mission: to provide excellence in legal advocacy for those who cannot afford private counsel. Located in the heart of Downtown Memphis at One Memphis Place, MALS is a beacon of hope for thousands of residents in Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, and Tipton counties. The attorneys and staff at MALS believe that justice should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. They work tirelessly to prevent homelessness, protect victims of abuse, and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have a voice in the legal system. ⚖️

Housing and Consumer Protection

One of the firm’s most critical functions is its Housing Law practice. MALS fights to keep families in their homes by defending against wrongful evictions, foreclosures, and housing discrimination. They represent tenants in disputes with landlords over unsafe living conditions and help homeowners navigate loan modifications. Additionally, the firm provides robust Consumer Protection services. They assist individuals who are being harassed by debt collectors, facing wage garnishments, or dealing with predatory lending practices. Through their Fair Housing Center, they also address systemic issues of housing inequality in the Memphis area. 🏠

Family Law and Domestic Violence

MALS is a lifeline for victims of domestic violence. The firm’s Family Law unit assists survivors in obtaining Orders of Protection, ensuring their physical safety from abusers. They also handle sensitive matters such as divorce and child custody, prioritizing the well-being of children and the stability of the family unit. Unlike private firms, MALS focuses on cases where legal intervention is necessary to protect physical safety or essential economic resources. Their attorneys approach these emotionally charged cases with deep compassion and trauma-informed care. 💔

Elder Law and Senior Support

The firm has a dedicated Elder Law project designed to serve seniors aged 60 and older. MALS helps the elderly maintain their independence and financial security by assisting with wills, powers of attorney, and advanced directives. They also fight against elder abuse and exploitation, representing seniors who have been taken advantage of by family members or caregivers. Furthermore, the firm helps seniors navigate complex government benefit programs, ensuring they receive the Social Security, Medicare, and TennCare benefits they are entitled to. This holistic support system allows Memphis seniors to age with dignity and peace of mind. 👴

Centralized Downtown Hub

Headquartered at 200 Jefferson Ave, Suite 1075, MALS is situated in the One Memphis Place building, directly across from the courts. This location is critical for their advocacy work. MALS relies on a combination of staff attorneys and a dedicated network of pro bono volunteers to serve the community. While they cannot accept every case due to resource limitations, they strive to help as many people as possible through direct representation, advice clinics, and community education workshops. MALS is more than a law firm; it is a vital community institution dedicated to the principle of equal justice under the law.

• Non-Profit Mission: Serving low-income families and the elderly.
• Housing Defense: Fighting eviction and foreclosure to prevent homelessness.
• Domestic Violence: Securing safety for victims of abuse.
• Elder Advocacy: Protecting the rights and assets of Memphis seniors.