De Novo (formerly CLSACC) - Cambridge, MA
De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, formerly Community Legal Services and Counseling Center (CLSACC), provides free civil legal services and affordable mental health counseling in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1970, De Novo integrates legal advocacy and trauma-informed clinical care to protect survivors of domestic violence, refugees seeking asylum, and tenants facing eviction.
Integrated Legal Advocacy and Healing Services in Cambridge, Massachusetts
For individuals overcoming the trauma of violence, economic hardship, and housing instability, legal disputes cannot be resolved in isolation from personal well-being. Located on Thorndike Street in Cambridge, De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, established in 1970 as Community Legal Services and Counseling Center, pioneered an innovative interdisciplinary service model. By uniting experienced staff attorneys, volunteer legal practitioners, and licensed mental health clinicians under one roof, De Novo addresses both the legal vulnerabilities and the psychological aftermath of traumatic life events. Whether you need an experienced attorney to stop a retaliatory eviction or seek to find a lawyer who can secure humanitarian immigration relief, De Novo delivers comprehensive, compassionate, and trauma-informed representation.
Comprehensive Legal Practice Areas
De Novo provides free, high-caliber civil legal assistance to low-income community members across Greater Boston and immigrant communities statewide. When qualifying clients hire an attorney through our Cambridge clinic, they gain access to skilled representation in several essential practice areas, including:
- Domestic violence lawyers: Securing emergency abuse prevention restraining orders, safety planning, and civil court representation for survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse.
- Divorce and family law lawyers: Litigating contested divorce cases, child custody arrangements, paternity determinations, and child support awards for protective parents.
- Immigration lawyers: Providing humanitarian legal relief, including affirmative and defensive asylum representation, U visa and T visa petitions for crime victims, and VAWA self-petitions.
- Residential real estate lawyers: Defending low-income tenants facing unlawful eviction in local housing courts, negotiating tenant buyouts, and preserving affordable housing tenancies.
- Deportation defense lawyers: Advocating for immigrants facing removal proceedings before immigration courts and helping families secure lawful permanent residency and citizenship.
- Disability benefits advocacy: Representing disabled clients before administrative law judges to secure Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability benefits.
The Intersection of Justice and Psychological Care
What makes De Novo unique among Massachusetts legal services organizations is its integrated mental health and forensic evaluation department. Founded on the principle that true recovery requires psychological support alongside legal victories, De Novo provides specialized counseling and forensic psychological evaluations for survivors of domestic violence, torture, and severe human rights abuses. These forensic evaluations provide critical evidentiary substantiation in asylum adjudications and domestic violence proceedings. When you consult a lawyer at De Novo, you enter a supportive environment where legal advocates and clinical therapists collaborate to restore safety, dignity, and autonomy to your life.
Community Partnership and Pro Bono Commitment
Supported by a dedicated network of over 120 volunteer attorneys, clinical social workers, and pro bono specialists, De Novo delivers millions of dollars in free legal and mental health services each year. The organization provides accessible language interpretation in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and other languages to ensure every client is heard and understood. De Novo operates strictly as a 501(c)(3) public charity, providing free civil legal assistance to eligible households. If you or someone you know is facing eviction, escaping domestic violence, or seeking asylum in Cambridge and Eastern Massachusetts, contact De Novo today to learn more about intake services and confidential legal support.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the historic East Cambridge neighborhood, adjacent to the Middlesex County Courthouse complex.
Building Location
This five-story Class A historic commercial building (known as Bulfinch Square) is situated on Thorndike Street, near local landmarks like the East Cambridge Post Office and Costa Lopez Park.
Parking Details
Convenient parking options nearby include underground and surface parking lots, with public paid parking garages located just a short walk away.
Public Transit
Served by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Route 69 (Harvard Square / Lechmere Station); nearest stop is at Cambridge St @ Sciarappa St.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the building through the main entrance on Thorndike Street. Take the stairs or the passenger elevator down to the sub-basement level to find the offices in Suite SB-LL-1.