Community Legal Services is a Philadelphia-based organization providing free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, specializing in addressing systemic inequity and poverty through direct representation and policy advocacy. It stands out for its comprehensive, multi-office approach and dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers committed to securing fundamental needs like housing, food, and employment for vulnerable communities.
The organization employs a holistic strategy that combines individual legal support with broader advocacy for critical policy changes, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term systemic impact. It focuses exclusively on serving low-income individuals and families across Philadelphia, tackling urgent legal issues that affect their stability and well-being.
Services Offered
- Public Benefits assistance (including SNAP, health insurance)
- Employment-related legal issues
- Housing, tenant, and homeowner legal support
- Debt and consumer rights advocacy
- Utilities assistance (LIHEAP and weatherization)
- Family, spouse, child, and bereavement legal services
- Criminal records services (benefits access, employment, expungements)
- Senior-related legal assistance
- Youth Justice Project
- Rowhouse Protection Project
- Medical-Legal Partnership
- Right to Counsel advocacy
- Record Clearing Advocacy
- Clean Slate National Record Clearing Project
Services are provided in English across Philadelphia, with a focus on empowering residents through legal support and community education. The organization also engages in significant policy work and public interest litigation to advance justice and equity.
