Rhode Island Center for Justice - Providence, RI

Protecting the Rights of the Vulnerable

The Rhode Island Center for Justice is a non-profit public interest law firm located in downtown Providence. Founded in 2015 in partnership with Roger Williams University School of Law, the Center was established to fill the critical gap in civil legal aid for low-income Rhode Islanders. Unlike traditional private firms, the Center for Justice focuses on providing free legal representation to those who would otherwise face the legal system alone. The organization works closely with community advocacy groups to identify systemic issues and provide targeted legal support that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. Their unique model combines the expertise of seasoned staff attorneys with the energy of legal fellows and law students, creating a dynamic force for social change.

Vital Legal Services

The Center for Justice concentrates its efforts on areas of law that most directly impact the basic human needs of its clients:

• Housing Advocacy: Defending tenants against eviction, fighting for safe living conditions, and representing clients in subsidized housing disputes.
• Workers' Rights: assisting low-wage workers in recovering unpaid wages and addressing workplace violations.
• Immigration: Providing legal support to immigrant families, including the 'Family Preparedness Plan' to help parents designate guardians in case of detainment.
• Utility Advocacy: Helping vulnerable households avoid utility shut-offs and navigate payment plans to maintain essential services.
• Education Rights: Litigating to ensure that all students in Rhode Island have access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.

Community-Driven Justice

The Rhode Island Center for Justice operates on the belief that justice should not be a luxury. Located at One Empire Plaza, the firm is accessible to the communities it serves. The staff is culturally competent and often provides services in multiple languages to overcome barriers to justice. By partnering with organizations like the George Wiley Center and Fuerza Laboral, the Center ensures that its legal strategies are grounded in the real-world experiences of Rhode Island's working families. If you are facing a legal crisis involving your home, your job, or your family's safety and cannot afford a private lawyer, the Rhode Island Center for Justice stands ready to help.