Resources for Free Legal Services
Charleston Legal Access Launches Legal Clinic to Help Nonprofits Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis
Lana Kleiman - Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access lana@charlestonlegalaccess.org
Charleston Legal Access (CLA) is thrilled to partner with law firms Nelson Mullins and Jackson Lewis, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), and Lowcountry Local First to launch a virtual legal clinic to help nonprofits across South Carolina weather the economic impact of COVID-19.
L4GG is a non-profit working with law firms across the country to develop legal advice clinics, which began in New York City. L4GG has helped launch this clinic in 10 other states.
Nonprofits can submit their legal question using this online screening form.
Pro bono lawyers with expertise in that particular subject matter will then be matched to provide a free 45-minute virtual or telephone legal consultation, helping nonprofits navigate the CARES Act, or questions related to employment, contract enforcement, commercial leases, insurance and insolvency.
ABOUT CHARLESTON LEGAL ACCESS
CLA is South Carolina’s first and only sliding-scale, nonprofit law firm. We provide low-cost and quality legal representation to the working poor and others of modest means who do not qualify for free legal services but who cannot afford a private attorney. We believe—and are demonstrating—that affordable legal assistance at critical moments in people’s lives preserves homes, income streams, and other assets that keep families out of poverty. We also engage in projects to create systemic change, which are informed by our direct services work. For more details please visit our website or you can reach us at (843) 640-5980.
University of South Carolina School of Law Accepting Clients for Fall 2020
Jaclyn A. Cherry - Professor of Law, Director of Clinical Legal Education
The Nonprofit Organizations Clinic at the University of South Carolina School of Law, which provides free legal assistance to nonprofit organizations of all types, is accepting clients for the fall 2020 semester. Students provide legal assistance to nonprofit organizations, under the supervision of Professor Jaclyn Cherry, in transactional matters that include incorporation, preparation of by-laws, preparation and filing of 501(c)(3) applications, contract review, preparation and negotiation, realestate, copyright, trademark and land use issues. Students may attend board meetings, provide advice on various legal matters, and provide legal assistance to start up organizations or organizations that are merging, converting or spinning off new ventures.
The number of clients that can be assisted is limited and once capacity is reached a waiting list will be created.
If you are interested in becoming a client, please contact Professor Cherry as soon as possible at Cherryja@law.sc.edu or 803-777-3394.