What is Community Legal Aid?

A non-profit law firm which:

• Specializes in poverty law and is devoted to providing free, high-quality civil legal services to eligible clients.
• Is dedicated to providing legal advice, information and representation as assistance for those seeking to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
• Provides information about laws and the legal system to those who work with the poor and elderly so that they may better serve their clients.
• Is a non-profit corporation governed by local lawyers, members of the client community and others concerned about equal access to justice.

How Can I Get a Lawyer?

Call our Legal Aid HelpLine at 1-800-998-9454, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, or apply for help online.

• Callers to the HelpLine must first be screened for financial eligibility.
• Eligible clients may be scheduled to speak with a HelpLine attorney or referred for other types of assistance.
• Clients with some types of issues will be asked to fill out a written application or referred to a self-help clinic.
• Clients with certain types of legal problems may be represented by staff attorneys at one of our local offices or referred to a volunteer attorney in the community.
• Find out more about the Legal Aid HelpLine

What Can You Help Me With?

We can handle a variety of different cases, including consumer rights, family, housing, foreclosure, health, education, public benefits, wills, probate and taxes. For more information you can review details on what cases we can handle.

Community Legal Aid also works with local non-profit groups whose purpose is to benefit the poor and the elderly.

Do I Need To Live In A Certain Area To Be Represented By Legal Aid?

We assist clients in the following counties of central northeast Ohio: Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne.

What Information Will I Need When I Call?

To determine eligibility for our services under one of our grants or contracts, we will ask you questions about your household income and assets, family composition and the type of legal problem you have. It is extremely helpful if you have the papers concerning your legal problem available.

Where Else Can I Legal Information?

We can provide a variety of written materials on a wide range of legal issues. We offer clinics to:

• Help individual help themselves with legal issues.
• Educate individuals about their legal rights and responsibilities.

Can Legal Aid Take Every Case?

No. Most of the callers to our Legal Aid HelpLine will receive legal advice, but because of limited staff and resources we are not able to provide full representation to everyone who needs us.

Does Legal Aid Handle Criminal Cases?

No. Call the local Public Defender or ask the Court to appoint an attorney for you.

Can You Interview Clients at Home?

Yes, we offer some outreach interviewing sites or home visits when appropriate.

What Happens If You Cannot Take My Case?

Eligible clients may be referred to our volunteer attorney program or to other agencies for assistance.