Iowa Legal Aid

Verified

Family Law Attorney

3.1(56 Google reviews)

607 Sycamore St #304, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States

Information last updated October 16, 2026

Practice Areas

Real Estate Social Security & Disability Civil Litigation Family Law

About Iowa Legal Aid

Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm established in 1977, dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance and advocacy to low-income, underserved, and vulnerable Iowans. The firm's mission is to restore hope, dignity, and justice by offering legal help and empowering clients to advocate for their rights.

In 2024, Iowa Legal Aid assisted over 31,000 individuals, including domestic violence survivors, older Iowans, and children. The firm's services encompass legal representation and advice, legal clinics and workshops, and community outreach and advocacy.

Key areas of focus include:

Housing Stability
Income Protection
Family
Disaster Recovery
Consumer Protection
Tax Issues
Employment
Guardianship
Other Public Benefits

The firm operates through 10 offices across Iowa, serving all 99 counties, and extends its reach to rural areas via the Justice Bus, 1-800 phone lines, and its website. Iowa Legal Aid collaborates with schools, social services, and other organizations to enhance its impact and connect clients with additional support. The firm does not handle criminal cases, immigration, personal injury, or political activity.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Nick Smithberg — Executive Director
Angela Broughton-Romain — Deputy Director & General Counsel
Sandi Tibbetts Murphy — Director of Litigation and Advocacy
Lisa Gavin — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Ben Hamel — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Frank Tenuta — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Ed Conrad — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Erin Planalp — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Jim Kringlen — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Nathan Kirstein — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Molly McDonnell — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Diane Wilson — Regional Office Managing Attorney
Services listed: Housing Stability, Income Protection, Family, Disaster Recovery, Consumer Protection
Founded: 1977
Fees: The firm provides free legal services to Iowa's most vulnerable residents.
Offices: 317 7th Avenue SE Suite 404 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
736 Federal Street Suite 2309 Davenport, IA 52803
202 1st Street SE Suite 102 Mason City, IA 50401
507 7th St Suite 402 Sioux City, IA 51101
830 N. 14th St. Suite 301 Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Source: iowalegalaid.org · checked October 16, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet

Iowa Legal Aid — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Iowa Legal Aid located?+

Iowa Legal Aid is located at 607 Sycamore St #304, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Iowa Legal Aid handle?+

Iowa Legal Aid handles Real Estate, Social Security & Disability, Civil Litigation, Family Law. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Iowa Legal Aid?+

Call Iowa Legal Aid at +1 319-235-7008 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Iowa Legal Aid well rated?+

Iowa Legal Aid has a 3.1-star rating based on 56 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

5 reviews

Donyale Jones· via Google
Said they were busy helping people with evictions. So while I'm paying my own rent. People who are not get help more then people who are.
5 years ago
Jacob Rice· via Google
EDIT: Recently needed (still need) an attorney for a reason i wont disclouse . The attorney i spoke with actually made up a law in order to not take my case. Cited the statute and what they said did not match what they cited at all. They won't take my case due to covid and keep telling me to get a private lawyer despite the fact I cant work, directly tied to the reason I'm trying to file a lawsuit, and are instead RECOMENDING ME TO GET A PRIVATE LAWYER. Come on people!
Edited 4 years ago
Maranda Zilk· via Google
None handicap restrooms on 3rd floor. Not fond of the building they are located in. You must take the elevator. You cannot take the stairs from first floor. Also, you cannot leave the stairs from first. The door to the stairway is locked on both sides. Iowa Legal Aid is on the third floor. It is the old Public Defenders office. So, despite the way the building is, I do recommend Legal Aid for anyone on SSI/SSDI or just plain broke and can't afford a civil nor small claims lawyer. The worse you will be told is "no".
6 years ago
Honest Reviewer· via Google
Two stars for kindness of employees that answering yet they did not help me with a divorce I need. Apparently if your ex applied for help here before you, (for a previous marriage) they aren't allowed to help; ridiculous.
7 months ago
Patricia Arnold· via Google
I applied online for services regarding a divorce. Since I am over 60 they kept telling me to call the Legal Aid for older adults hotline. The lady there got snippy with me. And I felt like they were just passing the buck from one agency to another one. I decided not to use there services.
2 months ago

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