Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network – Pittsburgh, PA

Your Statewide Partner for Justice in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) stands as a cornerstone of justice and equity for all Pennsylvanians. Established in 1973, PLAN is a non-profit, client-centered organization dedicated to providing leadership, funding, and comprehensive support to improve the availability and quality of civil legal aid for low-income individuals and victims of domestic violence across the state. We are not a single law firm but a robust consortium of independent legal aid programs, working tirelessly to ensure that poverty is not a barrier to justice. Our mission is to coordinate and enhance the delivery of these critical services, helping the most vulnerable residents navigate complex legal challenges that affect their most basic needs: family, shelter, safety, and economic security.

Comprehensive Civil Legal Services for Those in Need

At the core of our mission is the provision of free, high-quality civil legal assistance. We believe in leveling the playing field. The member programs within the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network are staffed by dedicated advocates and attorneys who specialize in various areas of poverty law. This structure allows us to offer specialized expertise and direct representation to eligible clients in every one of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. We empower individuals and families by protecting their rights and helping them find stable ground. Whether you are facing an unjust eviction, dealing with a custody battle, or have been wrongfully denied essential public benefits, the PLAN network is here to provide the legal support you need.

Our Primary Areas of Legal Practice

The legal issues faced by low-income individuals are diverse and often interconnected. To address these complex needs, the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and its member programs offer assistance across a wide spectrum of civil law. Our goal is to provide holistic solutions that can create lasting stability for our clients. Below are some of the key areas where our network provides expert legal guidance and representation:

• Divorce and Family Law Lawyers: We provide crucial assistance in matters such as divorce, separation, child custody, child support, and adoption. We are especially committed to helping victims of domestic violence obtain Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and navigate the family court system safely.
• Housing and Real Estate Lawyers: Our network helps tenants fight wrongful evictions, address unsafe living conditions (habitability issues), and combat housing discrimination. We also provide guidance on mortgage foreclosure to help families keep their homes.
• Financial Lawyers: For individuals burdened by financial instability, we offer services through our network’s Consumer and Debt Relief Lawyers. This includes representation in debt collection lawsuits, assistance with bankruptcy filings, and protection against unfair trade practices.
• Employment and Labor Lawyers: We advocate for workers’ rights. This includes helping clients who have been wrongfully terminated, experienced workplace discrimination, or are struggling to receive unemployment compensation or owed wages.
• Wills, Estate Planning and Probate Lawyers: We assist with the creation of simple wills and powers of attorney, ensuring that seniors and low-income individuals can plan for their future and protect their families.
• Immigration Lawyers: Our network includes specialized programs that provide critical legal services to immigrants and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of immigration law, including family-based petitions and defense against deportation.

Your Path to Legal Assistance

Accessing legal help through our network is straightforward. The first step for any individual seeking assistance is to apply for legal aid through our centralized resources or by contacting their local member program. Eligibility is typically based on household income falling at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Through our online portal, PALawHelp.org, you can find a wealth of legal information, self-help resources, and a directory to locate the legal aid provider serving your community. Since our founding in 1973, we have been committed to the principle of equal justice, and we continue to be the bridge between those in need and the legal help they deserve.