Modest Means Helpline

The Modest Means Helpline (MMH) is a civil legal telephone helpline for New Mexico residents of modest means. The Modest Means Helpline was created through the efforts of the Access to Justice Commission, the State Bar of New Mexico and the New Mexico State Bar Foundation.

The Modest Means Helpline is an expansion of the New Mexico Legal Aid Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP) for members of the public who cannot be assisted by the VAP due to conflicts of interest, being over income for NMLA, or being otherwise ineligible for NMLA. MMH’s staff attorneys provide legal advice over the phone, and, if appropriate in limited cases, may refer the case to pro bono attorneys for legal advice or limited representation. MMH will also work with the VAP to connect people of modest means, or those who are NMLA conflicts, to court-sponsored legal clinics around the state.

The Modest Means Helpline can be reached at 505-797-6013 or 888-857-9935. During the holiday season, MMH will be adjusting its hours. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT. Please note: due to the current high call volume, it may take a few days for a helpline attorney to return your call.

Please note: The Modest Means Helpline does not assist in criminal matters. Additionally, if callers are seeking assistance for someone who is 55 or older, they should call the Legal Resources for the Elderly Program, which is the Bar Foundation’s legal helpline for people 55 or older.