The Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income residents across Eastern Virginia. With a mission to “Right Wrong, Do Justice, and Serve Humanity,” it stands out for its commitment to accessibility and community-focused outreach, offering support through multiple intake methods including online applications, phone assistance, and walk-in services at various locations.
The organization employs a proactive, community-embedded approach, regularly hosting workshops and legal clinics at libraries, community centers, shelters, and agencies to reach vulnerable populations directly. It focuses exclusively on civil matters, serving qualifying low-income Virginians, with special emphasis on tenants, seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. Its dedicated units, such as the Disability Rights Unit/Homeless Outreach Project (DRU/HOP), demonstrate a targeted effort to address systemic legal issues affecting marginalized communities.
Services Offered
- Civil legal services
- Estate planning assistance (wills, power of attorney, advanced medical directives)
- Housing law services (eviction defense, tenant rights, unlawful detainer cases)
- Expungement of eligible eviction records
- Fair housing advocacy and litigation
- Disability rights legal assistance
- Veterans’ legal services
- Community legal workshops and clinics
- Pro bono attorney coordination
The organization serves Eastern Virginia regions including the Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Southside, and specific communities like St. Paul’s, Calvert Square, and Young Terrace. It regularly conducts outreach in partnership with local agencies, shelters, and libraries, ensuring legal support is accessible to those in need across a wide geographic and demographic range.
