northeastern minnesota

The Legal Aid Service of Northeastern MN kicked off their 2nd annual Law Day 5k. All proceeds will go towards the non-profit’s efforts to provide free legal advice, and also legal representation. The Law Day 5k happened at Duluth East high school where over 80 participants ran or walked the 5k. However, if people didn’t want to participate in the 5k, there was a raffle available too.

Nate Grizzle, the communications and outreach coordinator for Legal Aid Service of Northeastern MN, talked more about the non-profit organization. “If you end up in the criminal justice system and you can’t afford a lawyer, you get a public defender. But for civil legal matters, that’s just not an option.” Grizzle said. “Maybe you’ve been served a notice of eviction or you’re going through a divorce or a child custody case and navigating the legal system on your own. It’s complicated, it’s tough. If you can’t afford an attorney, you’re kind of left on your own. And that’s where the Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota comes in, providing legal advice and representation to folks who can’t afford it otherwise to help navigate these civil legal matters.”

Grizzle also said that there are several ways people can help the Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota. “There’s always a space for more friends to come on board.” Grizzle said. “You can donate on our website all year round to help support what we do”. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota provides legal services in 11 counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine and St. Louis.

“If you missed this year’s Law Day 5k, be on the lookout for future events. We hope to do more and have ways for people to support legal aid.” Grizzle said.