Legal Services For the Elderly

Legal Services for Maine Elders is a statewide nonprofit providing free legal assistance to Maine seniors since 1974. The organization handles elder rights matters including housing, health care, debt collection, and Medicare advocacy through its helpline and specialized practice areas. With fifty years of experience protecting vulnerable older adults, it serves all Mainers regardless of background.

About

Legal Services for Maine Elders is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to older Mainers. Based in Augusta and serving the entire state, the organization has been advancing elder rights and protecting vulnerable seniors for fifty years since its founding in 1974.

The firm's mission centers on ensuring that all older people in Maine—regardless of background, race, class, or identity—have secure access to basic needs including housing, health care, nutrition, community, safety, and freedom from exploitation. This commitment extends to addressing systemic barriers and fostering a diverse workforce that reflects Maine's communities.

Legal Services for Maine Elders operates through several integrated programs designed to meet seniors where they are. The Helpline, accessible at 1-800-750-5353 or 207-623-1797, provides telephone-based legal information, advice, and referrals across a broad range of civil legal matters affecting older adults. Practice areas include health care law, housing issues, debt collection disputes, and related concerns that directly impact seniors' ability to meet their fundamental needs. The organization also maintains a dedicated Medicare Advocacy Services team and a Medicare Part D Appeals Unit (1-877-774-7772) to help navigate complex federal health insurance matters.

The organization is led by Executive Director John Brautigam and supported by a team of specialized attorneys and advocates. The legal staff includes senior helpline attorneys, staff attorneys across multiple practice areas, a litigation director, and paralegals who manage intake screening and case development. Notable team members include attorneys focused on elder abuse cases, downeast regional services, and policy advocacy work. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising licensed attorneys, older Mainers, and community members committed to advancing access to justice.

Legal Services for Maine Elders provides services at no cost to eligible clients. The organization emphasizes exceptional client service, cultural competence, and equal access to its programs. Translation and interpretation services are available, and the organization maintains accommodations to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though helpline services operate beyond standard office hours to serve seniors throughout the state.

Overview compiled from the firm's website