Legal Action of Wisconsin and Judicare Legal Aid Merge, Creating Wisconsin’s Largest Statewide Civil Legal Aid Firm

(MILWAUKEE, WI — January 2, 2026)  Legal Action of Wisconsin and Judicare Legal Aid announced today that the two long-standing nonprofit law firms have officially merged, uniting their staff, programs, and resources to form a single, statewide legal aid organization dedicated to providing exceptional civil legal services and structural change advocacy, free of cost, to those most in need across Wisconsin.

Effective January 1, the merger brings together decades of experience serving clients in housing law, family law, public benefits, consumer protection, legal barriers to employment, reentry, veterans’ benefits, elder rights, victim rights, Tribal courts, and other critical areas of civil and administrative law. By joining forces, the new, merged firm —operating under the name Legal Action of Wisconsin—will expand statewide reach, streamline access to services, and strengthen its capacity to respond to urgent and emerging legal needs.

“This merger allows us to better meet the needs of clients, no matter where in Wisconsin they live,” said Deedee Peterson, Legal Action’s Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we are building a stronger, more coordinated equal justice safety net.”

Legal Action of Wisconsin and Judicare Legal Aid have collaborated for many years on many initiatives and impact litigation and advocacy. The merger formalizes and builds upon that collaboration.

“In many ways, this is a natural next step,” said Peterson. “Merging allows us to bring our strengths together in a way that is more strategic, more efficient, and more responsive to the communities we serve.”

“Legal problems don’t stop at county lines—and now neither do we,” said Attorney Danielle White, President of the Legal Action Board of Directors. “One statewide entry point for people seeking the services we provide strengthens our ability to ensure low-income people can get the legal help they need when they need it.”

The new, merged firm will operate under the existing name and brand of Legal Action of Wisconsin. The work and legacy of Judicare Legal Aid will continue within the new structure, informed by the region’s deep community relationships.

“The vital work that made Judicare a pillar in the Northwoods will continue,” said Attorney Beth Ann Richlen, former Executive Director of Judicare Legal Aid and now Chief Strategy Officer at Legal Action. “Our history, our relationships, and our commitment to northern Wisconsin and tribal communities statewide will enhance Legal Action’s work just as their statewide reach and expertise will expand and enrich services in the Northwoods. This truly is a merger of strengths.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.