Atlanta Legal Aid Society - Atlanta, GA
A Century of Justice for Atlanta's Vulnerable
Atlanta Legal Aid Society is a historic non-profit organization that has been a pillar of justice in the community since 1924. For over 100 years, they have provided high-quality civil legal services to low-income individuals who cannot afford a private attorney. Their mission is grounded in the belief that no one should be denied access to the legal system due to their economic status. With a team of dedicated staff attorneys and hundreds of volunteer lawyers, Atlanta Legal Aid handles tens of thousands of cases annually, helping families stay safe, stable, and housed.
Headquartered in Downtown Atlanta on Ellis Street, the organization focuses on the most critical needs of the community. They do not handle criminal cases; instead, they specialize in civil matters that affect the basic necessities of life. Whether it is protecting a domestic violence survivor from an abuser, preventing an illegal eviction, or helping a senior citizen avoid financial scams, Atlanta Legal Aid is often the last line of defense for those in crisis. Their work extends beyond individual representation to include systemic advocacy that changes laws and improves lives across Georgia.
Vital Community Legal Services
Atlanta Legal Aid provides free legal assistance in specific civil areas:
- Family Law: Helping victims of domestic violence secure Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), handling divorces, and resolving child custody disputes to ensure safety and stability.
- Housing Law: preventing homelessness by defending against wrongful evictions, addressing unsafe living conditions, and fighting housing discrimination.
- Consumer Protection: Assisting clients with debt relief, bankruptcy, and protection against predatory lending and scams.
- Health and Benefits: Helping individuals access public benefits like Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and food stamps.
- Senior Citizens Law: providing specialized legal support for the elderly, including wills, advance directives, and nursing home rights.
- Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Adoption: Assisting family members who are raising children to obtain legal custody or adoption.
Recognized for Impact
The organization is widely recognized as one of the most effective legal aid societies in the country. They have received numerous grants and awards, including recognition from the Legal Services Corporation for their innovative use of technology to improve access to justice. Their ”Pro Bono All-Stars” and volunteer attorneys are frequently honored by the State Bar of Georgia. Atlanta Legal Aid operates on a free basis for eligible low-income clients, ensuring that justice is not a luxury.
Located near the Peachtree Center area, the downtown office is accessible by public transit. They offer services in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, and provide interpreters for others. If you are facing a civil legal problem and cannot afford a lawyer, Atlanta Legal Aid Society is there to help.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the bustling core of Downtown Atlanta, just blocks away from Georgia State University and the Peachtree Center complex.
Building Location
The office is located in the historic Atlanta Legal Aid Building (originally built in 1910 as an Elks Lodge and later known as the Salvation Army building), a beautifully renovated 5-story brick structure located on Ellis Street.
Parking Details
Uniquely for downtown, a gated on-site surface parking lot with free visitor spaces is available directly adjacent to the building, with the entrance located just past the building through an open iron gate on the left side of Ellis Street.
Public Transit
Served by MARTA Red Line (North-South); nearest stop is at Peachtree Center Station.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the historic brick building through the main street-level entrance on Ellis Street. The main reception desk is located on the ground floor, where staff will greet you and guide you to your destination.