Who we are
Legal Aid Society of Story County is a non-profit corporation, formed in 1974 to provide legal assistance in civil matters to families who cannot afford to hire an attorney in private practice.
As we settle into our new space, there may be interruptions to walk-in services. Please call ahead before visiting the office in-person or reach out via email. An email link is provided on this page.
Anticipated Office Closures:
The Legal Aid Society of Story County was recently named runner up in the Community Champion category of the 2023 Reisman Awards. Over 300 submissions from law firms around the world were considered. Even as the runner up, this prestigious award recognizes the work, mentorship and community focus of our office. We are proud of the dedication, expertise and client centered focus of all of our staff. We thank CLIO and Jack Newton, CEO and Founder for the honor. We look forward to participating in the CLIO CONFERENCE in October.
Our Attorneys
Peggy Michelotti
Executive Director
Peggy joined our office as a Staff Attorney shortly after her graduation from Drake Law School in 2015. In the Spring of 2022, Peggy accepted the position as our Executive Director. Peggy obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 2012 and her Associate of Arts degree from Muscatine Community College in 2009. Peggy is a member of the American Bar, Iowa State Bar, and Story County Bar Associations. Peggy served as an officer for the Story County Bar Association from 2019-2022 and remains an active member. In her downtime, Peggy is a devoted public servant who has coached Mock Trial for the Ames Community School District since 2016.
Bethany Miller
Bethany joined our office as a staff attorney after graduating from Drake Law School in 2016. During her time at Drake she worked as an intern for the Iowa Division of Worker’s Compensation and a variety of private firms. Bethany received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville University in 2013. She majored in Pre-Law, knowing from an early age that she wanted to be an attorney.
Melissa Brown
Melissa joined our office in 2023 as a Staff Attorney transitioning from immigration work at Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Melissa graduated from Drake Law School where she was a student attorney at the refugee clinic and intern with the Public Defender’s Office. She is a member of the Iowa Bar Association, Black Stone Inn of Court and AILA. Melissa graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Grandview College and primarily worked in retirement investments and mortgage banking.
TO APPLY FOR SERVICES:
You will need an account before applying for services.
- Click on the button to create your account.
- Verify your email.
- Return to this page.
- If you already have an account, click on the button to fill out of the intake form.
- Send any questions or necessary documents to us at: contact@legalaidstory.org
Experienced
Celebrating 49 years of service
Recognized
Community and client focused
Professional
Working to get results
Our Major Supporters
- Story County
- Story County Local Option
- City of Ames
- ISU – GSB
- Story County Bar Association
- IOLTA