Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County

Organization Description

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County is a private, nonprofit law firm that fights social injustice through civil legal advocacy for people living in poverty. Since our founding in 1959, Legal Aid has improved the lives of over 175,000 low-income clients in matters involving housing, civil rights, employment, education, consumer law, and health and government benefits. Over 450 pro bono volunteers provide essential representation and access to justice for hundreds of additional clients every year through our Pro Bono Projects.

Pro Bono Project Description:

Guardianship Pro Bono Project

-is directed at grandparents, relatives, and others who are caring for someone else's children. Legal Aid helps in the filing of guardianship petitions. Attorneys also assist minors who are not born in the U.S. to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Training and mentoring provided.

Conservatorship Pro Bono Project

-helps low-income persons seeking help with the complicated legal process of filing for conservatorships. Training and mentoring provided.

Domestic Violence Collaborative

-helps low-income domestic violence survivors get essential protective orders, as well as custody and visitation orders through limited scope representation at their restraining order hearing. Hearings are held on a special domestic violence calendar in Redwood City and in South San Francisco. Training and mentoring provided.

HomeSavers Project

helps tenants who are having problems with their landlords. Tenant clinics are held three times a week, one at the courthouse and then other at our partner community based organizations. Training and mentoring available.

Senior Advocates Responding to Elder Abuse

-pro bono attorneys provide direct representation for elder abuse restraining orders, including physical and financial abuse. Other consumer fraud, financial fraud and civil harassment cases are referred as well.

Summer Associates Projects

-helps seniors at various Senior Centers throughout San Mateo County prepare Advance Health Care Directives. Summer Associates also participate in the Domestic Violence Collaborative and can represent clients in court by becoming a "certified law student" through the State Bar of California.

Direct Referrals from our staff attorneys may be available for co-counseling or full representation on various civil legal issues.