Civil Legal Assistance
For every $1 invested
in civil legal assistance,
$6.70 goes back into the community.
The Indiana Bar Foundation is a leader in improving access to the civil legal system for all Hoosiers. By supporting civil legal assistance and pro bono organizations, law students, attorneys, and self-represented litigants, the programs of the Indiana Bar Foundation advance our legal system and improve civil legal assistance for all Hoosiers.
Indiana Legal Help
The legal system can be hard to navigate alone. Through the Indiana Legal Help website, individuals can access legal service providers in their area and forms and resources specific to their legal needs.
Scholarships
Through the support of generous donors, the Indiana Bar Foundation offers several scholarships for current law students. Loan repayment assistance is also available for licensed attorneys working at civil legal assistance organizations.
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Helling Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to young attorneys in Indiana to give them the opportunity to participate in the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual meeting each year.
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EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE! Phelps & Fara Scholarship assists a law student enrolled at the IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis with an interest in family law. Click here to apply. Applications are due by April 17, 2023.
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EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE! Hon. Cale J. Holder Scholarship was established in 1984 in memory of Judge Holder and is awarded annually based on dedication to the administration of law, financial need, desire to be a practicing trial lawyer, capacity for leadership, academic achievement, and military service record if any. Click here to apply. Applications are due April 17, 2023.
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Hon. Richard M. Givan Loan Repayment Assistance Fund was established in 2006 as a statewide loan assistance program for law school graduates employed in non-profit organizations serving the civil legal needs of low income individuals and families in Indiana. Applications are due annually on or around November 1.
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Hon. J. Terrence and Peggy Cody Loan Repayment Assistance Fund was established in 2019 to help enable graduating law students to pay for their law school loans and be employed at civil legal aid providers, county Department of Child Services offices and county Public Defender’s offices throughout the state of Indiana, with preference given to those employed or living in Floyd County, Indiana. Applications are due annually on or around November 1.
Civil Legal Aid Fund
The Civil Legal Aid Fund was established in 1997 to support Indiana organizations providing civil legal services to low income Hoosiers. In partnership with the Indiana Supreme Court, the Indiana Bar Foundation distributes $1.5M annually to qualifying organizations around the state.
Applications for the Civil Legal Aid Fund are due annually on May 1. Click here for more information about the fund.
IOLTA
The Indiana Bar Foundation (Foundation) administers several funds earmarked for the provision of civil legal aid. One of these funds, the Indiana Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program, was created in 1997 as a mechanism to enable low-income Hoosiers to have access to the civil justice system. This access is supported through annual grants to civil legal assistance organizations promoting pro bono and access to justice work across the state. In partnership with the Indiana Supreme Court, the Indiana Bar Foundation distributes $1M annually in IOLTA grants. IOLTA grant applications are due annually on May 1.
Unclaimed & Unidentified Funds
Starting January 1, 2023, the Indiana Bar Foundation (Foundation) is accepting unclaimed and unidentified lawyer trust account funds from attorneys, law firms, or estates of deceased attorneys after diligent efforts are made to identify and locate the rightful owner pursuant to Rule 1.15(h) of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct. Find required forms and a FAQ here.
Pro Bono
Pro Bono Reporting
Please access this Pro Bono Frequently Asked Questions resource providing answers to key questions often asked about Pro Bono reporting.
The Pro Bono Opportunity Guide
The Pro Bono Opportunity Guide is a statewide volunteer matching tool for legal professionals interested in volunteering and legal assistance providers who need volunteers.