It is hard to believe we are quickly approaching CLA’s Seventh Anniversary. CLA has come so far over the last seven years, thanks to our supporters. Under Lana’s leadership, our organization has grown leaps and bounds and expanded into new areas of law including family and housing. Operationally, we are stronger than ever, and with a new class of exceptional Board of Directors, we are prepared for another chapter of growth.
Last year was our most impactful and busiest year to date. In 2022, we received 1,481 intake calls, a 30% increase from last year. We assisted 359 clients with advice and counsel, consultations and full representation - a 105% increase from last year.
Since opening our doors in 2016, we have:
- Closed 1,142 matters
- Preserved over $2.9 million in assets for low and moderate-income families in the Lowcountry
- Prevented 252 evictions through Housing Court
CLA has become critical to the legal services landscape for many reasons, chief among them, is our ability to be responsive to and address the needs of the people in our community. This unique value is catalyzed by the excellence of our staff, as well as, our ongoing commitment to representing all people who fall into the justice gap and who would otherwise be left behind.
At the end of last year, we crafted a strategic vision for increasing access to justice across our community in the years ahead. We asked ourselves, how do we best leverage our superpower for lasting impact?
And the answer is that over the next three years, CLA will:
Increase our housing services and expand housing court across the Tri-county region of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties;
Continue to build our family law practice area, ensuring that low-to-moderate income families in our community have access to these essential legal services;
Increase access to justice for Spanish-speakers in our community by providing bilingual legal services;
Establish an immigration law practice area; and
Achieve operational excellence through smart growth and sustainability.
At CLA, we envision a Lowcountry where all people, regardless of income or status, have equitable access to justice. A community where fewer people are exploited because they know their rights, understand the legal services landscape, and are able to obtain an excellent standard of representation. We envision a region that embraces access to justice as a key priority issue.
With the new Order issued by the SC Supreme Court authorizing the expansion of Housing Court to all counties in South Carolina, CLA is ready to expand Housing Court to Berkeley County.
We thank SC Access to Justice Commission for issuing a resolution in support of the expansion recognizing that Housing Court "will increase access to justice in South Carolina by ensuring that evictions are lawful, defenses are effectively asserted, and court users are connected with financial and other resources to increase housing stability and prevent homelessness." Stay tuned for further updates about Berkeley County's first Housing Court.
It is because of all of you that our first seven years have been marked by growth and accomplishment and we invite you to help us spend the next seven creating an accessible and equitable civil justice system in our community. With your continued support, we believe 2023 will be our most successful year yet.
About Charleston Legal Access
Charleston Legal Access is SC's first and only sliding-scale, nonprofit law firm. We provide affordable legal services at a price that those of moderate means can afford. Hourly rates are determined on an individual basis by a client's income and family size. Our initial screening and phone consultations with an attorney are completely free. In-person, 1-2 hour case consultations and limited assistance sessions are available for a flat fee of $50-$100. For more information please visit www.charlestonlegalaccess.org.
With client fees only making up 15% of our operational budget and a rise in demand for services, we are seeking like-minded partners to support our cause. Help us expand access to justice and legal representation by making a tax-deductible donation below.