Neighborhood Law Clinic – Madison, WI

Community-Based Legal Advocacy

The Neighborhood Law Clinic (NLC) is a vital community resource operated by the University of Wisconsin Law School’s Economic Justice Institute. For over three decades, the clinic has provided high-quality, free legal services to low-income residents of Madison and Dane County. Located in the heart of South Madison at the Villager Mall, the clinic serves as a bridge between the legal resources of the university and the community members who need them most. Law students, under the rigorous supervision of experienced clinical faculty attorneys, handle individual cases and engage in community advocacy to promote economic justice.

Housing and Tenant Rights

A primary focus of the clinic is preventing homelessness and ensuring safe housing conditions. The NLC represents tenants in disputes with landlords, offering robust defense against evictions and assistance with:

• Security Deposit Recovery: Helping tenants reclaim wrongfully withheld funds.
• Habitability Issues: Forcing landlords to make necessary repairs for safe living conditions.
• Subsidized Housing: Protecting rights related to Section 8 vouchers and public housing termination.

Employment and Wage Justice

The clinic also fights for workers’ rights, representing individuals who have been victims of wage theft or workplace discrimination. They assist clients in recovering unpaid wages, including overtime and minimum wage claims, and handle cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. Additionally, the clinic helps navigate the complexities of public benefits, assisting those who have been wrongfully denied SSI or SSDI benefits.

Services are available in both English and Spanish. If you are facing a legal crisis involving housing or employment and cannot afford an attorney, the Neighborhood Law Clinic may be able to help. Contact us today to find out if you qualify for assistance.