The Ellsworth Legal Assistance Office provides legal assistance in connection with personal civil legal matters to support and sustain command effectiveness and readiness. Under 10 U.S.C. §1044, the ability to offer legal assistance and legal services to the eligible categories of personnel is contingent upon the availability of legal staff resources and expertise. Although legal assistance is not separately funded, it has been provided for members of the armed forces since 1943 and is now perceived as one of the benefits of military service.
The Legal Office provides free legal assistance regarding personal civil legal matters to eligible beneficiaries, including active duty or retired military members and their dependents.
Examples of personal civil legal matters include adoption, dependent care, domestic relations, financial responsibility, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), landlord-tenant, and casualty affairs. Legal assistance attorneys can provide legal advice, conduct general review of documents, draft correspondence, and assist clients in preparing forms. Legal assistance attorneys cannot, however, represent clients in any court or administrative proceedings or draft or file legal documents with a court.