Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio - Columbus, OH

Justice for All in Central Ohio

Justice should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), formerly known as the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families. For decades, this organization has been a beacon of hope for those facing eviction, domestic violence, and the loss of essential benefits. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to use the law to fight poverty and injustice. If you need to find an attorney but cannot afford private counsel, LASCO offers high-quality legal representation to help you secure your basic needs and protect your rights.

Vital Legal Services

LASCO provides assistance in non-criminal legal matters that affect the safety and stability of Ohio residents. Their primary practice areas include:

• Housing: defending tenants against eviction, fighting for safe living conditions, and preserving housing subsidies.
• Family Law: Assisting victims of domestic violence with protection orders and divorce, and helping with child custody matters.
• Public Benefits: helping individuals access and keep Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, and unemployment benefits.
• Consumer Law: Protecting clients from predatory lending, debt collection harassment, and scams.
• Tax Law: Resolving disputes with the IRS for low-income taxpayers.
• Veterans: Addressing the unique legal challenges faced by those who have served our country.

Eligibility and Access

Services at LASCO are provided free of charge to those who meet income and resource guidelines. The organization serves Franklin, Madison, and several other counties in Central and Southeast Ohio. Because resources are limited, they prioritize cases where legal intervention can make the biggest difference in a person's life. If you need an attorney urgently for an eviction hearing or a safety issue, you can apply for help online or by calling their intake line. They also operate brief advice clinics throughout the community to reach people where they are.

Located in German Village

The Columbus office is located at 1108 City Park Ave, in the historic German Village neighborhood. This accessible location allows clients to meet with attorneys in a safe and respectful environment. The office is close to downtown bus lines, making it reachable for those without reliable transportation. Unlike a corporate law firm, the atmosphere here is focused entirely on service and community support. The staff is trained to work with clients who are experiencing trauma or crisis, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity.

A Community Partner

LASCO works closely with other community organizations, social service agencies, and the courts to create a safety net for the most vulnerable. Their attorneys are experts in poverty law and are often involved in systemic advocacy to change unfair laws and policies. When you hire a lawyer (or rather, are represented by one) from LASCO, you have a powerful advocate who understands the system and will fight to ensure that your voice is heard. They are committed to leveling the playing field and ensuring equal access to justice for everyone.