The Economic Case for Civil Legal Aid

Civil legal aid is fundamentally about access to justice. But it is also a fiscally responsible investment that delivers substantial and undeniable economic returns.

For every $1 invested, civil legal aid returns an average of $7

Every one of over 50 studies conducted on the return on investment (ROI) of civil legal aid in the last 25 years demonstrates that civil legal aid provides a positive return on investment. In state after state, investment in civil legal aid has paid for itself many times over.

By helping individuals resolve legal challenges, legal aid reduces the burden on government services and strengthens communities.

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How Legal Aid Delivers Return on Investment

Return on Investment (ROI): ROI is the financial return generated for every dollar spent.

Civil legal aid delivers immediate and measurable direct returns to families, individuals, and taxpayers, as well as powerful indirect benefits that fuel long-term economic growth and strengthen community stability.

Loss Prevention

Prevents wrongful evictions, foreclosures and unfair debt collection. Helps domestic violence survivors secure protective orders, safe housing and financial support.

Watch Larry's story about how legal aid helped him when the VA erroneously sent him a $52,000 bill.

Direct Financial Wins

Secures unpaid wages, veterans’ benefits, child support, Social Security payments and record sealing ensuring people receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.

Watch Colleen's story about how legal aid helped her get her money back from a fraudulent contractor.

Taxpayer Savings

Lowers costs for emergency shelters, healthcare, social services, emergency financial assistance and law enforcement by resolving legal issues before they require government intervention.

Watch Julie's story about how legal aid helped her stay in her home after Hurricane Harvey.

Boosts Local Economies

Civil legal aid fuels economic growth through the economic multiplier effect — every dollar secured through legal aid circulates through local businesses, increasing spending, job retention and overall economic stability.

What the Research Shows

There have been dozens of independent evaluations of civil legal aid in at least 39 states. Every study has found that civil legal aid generates more economic value than the funding it receives. These benefits include cost savings for public programs, recovered income for clients and economic ripple effects that support local communities. Reported ROI ranges from $1.15 to $17.99, with an average of ROI $6.72.

$17.99

For every $1 invested in Louisiana in 2022, legal aid returned $17.99.

$8.40

For every $1 invested in Wisconsin in 2022, legal aid returned $8.40.

$7.49

For every $1 invested in Kansas in 2022, legal aid returned $7.49.

Explore the findings in your state using the map below or read our detailed brief.

Want to learn more? Browse the full studies behind the map

Browse the studies

For additional information or questions about this research, please contact the Office of Data Governance and Analysis at datateam@lsc.gov.