Feb. 24, 2025 – For many Wisconsin residents, access to the civil legal system is not just about justice, but a necessity for employment, healthcare, and family matters. However, the reality today is that thousands of low-income individuals face significant barriers to obtaining legal representation. This problem is especially acute in rural areas of the state, where a shortage of attorneys creates additional challenges for people seeking legal assistance. The resulting financial and geographic "justice gap" leaves many people without the legal support they need, forcing them to navigate complex legal systems alone. Many states have helped close their own justice gaps by investing state revenue into civil legal aid. What they have found might surprise you: civil legal aid is a fiscally responsible approach that yields substantial economic benefits for taxpayers.
The Economic Benefits of Civil Legal Aid
According to a 2023 report by the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF), every $1 invested in civil legal aid generates more than $8 in financial benefits. These savings come in various forms, including increased child support payments, job retention, and overall financial security for individuals.
When legal aid helps domestic violence survivors secure protective orders or safe housing, it decreases the need for emergency shelters, police interventions, and emergency medical care. Legal assistance in securing wages, veteran’s benefits, and unemployment benefits reduces strain on other state social services and public assistance programs.
Enhancing Court Efficiency and Reducing Costs
The absence of legal representation in civil cases leads to inefficiencies that cost taxpayers money. In some Wisconsin counties, up to 70% of family court cases involve at least one self-represented litigant. Without legal guidance, individuals may struggle to understand court procedures, leading to delays, errors, and repeated court appearances. This inefficiency places an additional burden on judges, clerks, and court resources, increasing costs for the judicial system.
Devin Martin, is the grassroots outreach coordinator with the State Bar of Wisconsin. He can be reached by
email, or by phone at (608) 250-6145.
Judge Daniel Overbey of Vilas County Circuit Court highlights the impact: "Generally, unrepresented people take up more time than represented litigants. That court time includes a judge, a court reporter, and a clerk. I see a lot of requests for restraining orders where parties might get a quicker and more satisfactory outcome if they first had access to legal advice."
By adding state funding for civil legal aid, the state can ensure that more people receive the legal assistance they need upfront, preventing prolonged legal battles and streamlining court processes.
A Call for Sustainable Funding
Despite these benefits, Wisconsin’s state investment in civil legal aid lags behind neighboring states. In 2019, Minnesota allocated over $14 million to civil legal aid, while Michigan contributed nearly $6.5 million. Wisconsin’s funding, in contrast, has remained minimal, relying on federal dollars and one-time grants. Without sustained state funding, thousands of eligible individuals will continue to be turned away each year due to resource shortages.
Wisconsin’s lawmakers have the opportunity to make a meaningful investment in justice while also generating economic benefits. By increasing state funding for civil legal aid, Wisconsin can reduce reliance on emergency public services, improve court efficiency, and provide financial stability for thousands of residents. This is not just about fairness—it’s about making a smart, cost-effective decision that benefits Wisconsin.
Expanding access to civil legal aid is an investment that pays for itself many times over. It strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and ultimately reduces costs for taxpayers. Wisconsin has an opportunity to close the justice gap and create a fairer, more efficient legal system—one that works for everyone, regardless of income.
What You Can Do: State Bar of Wisconsin Advocacy Network
State Bar members can send a message to their lawmakers expressing support for state funding for civil legal aid using the
Advocacy Network. Pre-written email messages are editable to suit your own thoughts and opinions and help to demonstrate the breadth of support for policies that prioritize access to justice.
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