Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, PA

Fighting Poverty and Injustice for All Philadelphians

Since its founding, Community Legal Services (CLS) has stood as a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for low-income Philadelphians. As a non-profit organization, CLS provides free civil legal assistance to vulnerable populations, fighting to ensure that poverty is not a barrier to justice. From our offices in North Philadelphia and Center City, our dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers works tirelessly to help clients access the most basic necessities of life: a safe home, a stable income, adequate food, and physical safety. Beyond individual case representation, CLS is a leader in systemic advocacy, fighting for broad policy changes that break down the barriers of inequity and create a more just society for all.

Comprehensive Free Legal Services for a Stronger Community

CLS offers expert legal counsel across a wide spectrum of civil law matters, providing a critical lifeline to individuals and families facing significant legal challenges. Our specialized units are staffed by experts in their fields, ensuring high-quality representation for those who need it most.

• Housing and Homeownership: We are at the forefront of the fight to prevent homelessness. Our attorneys represent tenants facing eviction, combat housing discrimination, and help homeowners save their homes from foreclosure and predatory lending.
• Employment and Labor Lawyers: We help low-wage workers fight against wage theft, challenge wrongful termination, secure unemployment benefits, and address workplace discrimination. We also help individuals overcome barriers to employment, such as flawed criminal records.
• Public Benefits and Financial Aid: Our team helps clients secure and maintain essential public benefits like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and cash assistance. We fight to ensure that eligible individuals and families have the income and healthcare they need to be stable and healthy.
• Debt and Consumer Rights: We provide skilled representation for individuals facing aggressive debt collectors, predatory loans, and other consumer scams. Our goal is to protect our clients from financial exploitation and help them achieve economic security.
• Utilities: We advocate for clients to prevent utility shut-offs and to access programs like LIHEAP, ensuring that every family has access to essential services like water and electricity.
• Divorce and Family Law Lawyers: We provide assistance in critical family law matters, focusing on issues of family safety and stability, particularly for victims of domestic violence.
• Criminal Record Clearing: Through projects like the Clean Slate initiative, we help individuals expunge and seal their criminal records, removing a significant barrier to employment, housing, and opportunity.

A Commitment to Equal Justice

At Community Legal Services, we believe that equal access to justice is a fundamental right. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Philadelphia, providing culturally competent and zealous advocacy for all our clients. Our work is not just about resolving individual legal problems; it is about empowering our clients and challenging the systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty.

How to Get Help

CLS provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents of Philadelphia. If you are in need of legal assistance, you can access our services by calling our central intake line at 215-981-3700 or by visiting one of our office locations. We are here to listen and to help you understand your rights.