Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc - Bakersfield, CA

Providing Equal Access to Civil Justice in Kern County

Since its founding in 1968, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. has been at the forefront of providing free, high-quality legal services in civil matters to low-income residents and elderly populations of Kern County. Our mission is to promote social change and equal justice by representing those who are unable or too afraid to speak for themselves due to financial, social, or linguistic barriers. If you are a resident in need and are looking to find a legal aid lawyer to protect your rights, GBLA provides critical assistance to stabilize families, prevent homelessness, and secure essential public benefits. We proudly serve our diverse community with a dedicated, bilingual staff speaking English and Spanish.

Advocacy and Legal Aid for Tenant Rights and Fair Housing

Securing safe, stable, and affordable housing is one of the most fundamental needs for any individual or family. At GBLA, our housing and homelessness prevention programs work tirelessly to defend low-income tenants against unlawful evictions, uninhabitable living conditions, and housing discrimination. Our Fair Housing Law Project investigates and litigates cases of housing discrimination based on race, disability, gender, and other protected statuses. If you are facing eviction or dealing with an abusive landlord and urgently need a housing lawyer to protect your family, GBLA offers counsel and representation to ensure you are treated fairly under California landlord-tenant laws.

Compassionate Family Law and Domestic Violence Protection

Family instability and domestic abuse are some of the most challenging crises a person can face. GBLA's family law and domestic violence prevention projects provide compassionate yet aggressive legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Our advocates help victims secure temporary restraining orders, negotiate safe child custody and visitation arrangements, and obtain critical child support. We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults. If you need to hire a family law attorney but cannot afford high private fees, GBLA is here to evaluate your eligibility and offer free, professional representation to guide you through the family court system.

Essential Guardianship and Public Benefits Support

Many children in Kern County are cared for by grandparents or other relatives who need legal authority to enroll them in school, make medical decisions, and provide a stable home. Our guardianship projects assist relative caregivers with the complex probate court process to establish legal guardianship. Additionally, GBLA provides essential advocacy for individuals seeking access to healthcare and public benefits, such as Social Security Disability, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs. If you have been wrongly denied public benefits or need to find a guardianship lawyer to secure a child's future, our experienced attorneys and advocates will stand by your side to navigate the administrative maze.

Decades of Dedicated Service and Community Impact

GBLA is a vital pillar of the Kern County legal community, working in partnership with local courts, social services, and private volunteer attorneys to expand access to justice. As an LSC-funded non-profit organization, we maintain the highest standards of professional integrity and community trust. Our services are entirely free of charge to eligible clients who meet our income and asset guidelines. Whether through direct courtroom representation, legal clinics, or community education workshops, GBLA continues to empower the underserved and strive for equal justice for all in Bakersfield. Contact our main intake line today to learn how we can assist you.