By Tonya Sams of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Today, people are facing a new and complicated set of challenges. Some are worried about where their next meal is coming from while others fear that they will not be able to pay their rent. Legal Aid, which offers free civil legal representation for those with low incomes, may be able to help you in those areas and more.
Legal Aid has been working to gain access to justice for those in our client communities since 1905. It’s the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Legal Aid serves residents in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties.
Many of those who seek legal representation from Legal Aid get positive results. In 2025, 82% of clients represented by Legal Aid found solutions to their problems and achieved their goals. Last year, Legal Aid was also able to achieve the following outcomes for our clients:
- 96% safety secured
- 79% evictions or involuntary moves prevented
- 97% assets secured
- 96% barriers to education
- 86% debt reduced
Attorneys at Legal Aid help clients who need help in several areas including:
- Housing: foreclosure; eviction; landlord/tenant issues; utilities; public housing
- Work: unemployment compensation; IRS tax issues; sealing criminal records; securing a valid ID or professional license
- Money: loans (school, payday, auto, debt); public benefits (SNAP, energy assistance, cash assistance, supplemental security income); bankruptcy; estate planning
- Family: domestic violence; divorce; custody; education
- Health: medical bill collection; access to medical records; Medicare and Medicaid; marketplace tax credits and penalties
More detailed information on these topics is available on Legal Aid’s website: lasclev.org, click “Services & Resources” then “Legal Resources”
Legal Aid attorneys represent and advise clients and go into the community to educate residents regarding their rights and services that are available to prospective clients. One such initiative is Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinics. Attendees receive brief advice from attorneys regarding their legal matter. These clinics are held in libraries, community centers and other trusted sites. Some are on a first-come, first-serve basis while some are by appointment only. For a full schedule of brief advice clinics, visit lasclev.org/clinics.
If you have quick questions regarding tenants’ rights and rental housing, call the Tenant Info Line at 440-210-4533 or 216-861-5955. For quick questions regarding employment, unemployment and student loans, call the Economic Justice Info Line at 440-210-4532 or 216-861-5899.
Request Legal Aid’s help by calling 888-817-3777 during normal business hours or by applying online at lasclev.org/apply. When speaking with a Legal Aid intake specialist be sure to have income information and necessary documentation related to your legal issue on hand.
To invite Legal Aid to an outreach/education event: lasclev.org/OutreachRequest
To request materials for your community group: lasclev.org/BrochureRequest
Tonya Sams is a Development & Communications Manager with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.