Non-Profit Law Firm

Northwestern Legal Services' main office has moved! Find us in Erie at the Griswold Plaza. See Our New Address

Service Area

Northwestern Legal Services serves Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Venango, and Warren County residents at or below the federal poverty line — or nearly 100,000 out of the more than 650,000 people (over 15 percent) living in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Most attorneys charge at least $100 an hour for their expertise, a figure many of our local citizens cannot simply afford. As a nonprofit law firm, NWLS helps relieve the financial burden of obtaining legal services.

Statistics

6,998

People Served

Last year, NWLS handled cases for 6,998 residents.

$1,290,289

2022-23 Earnings

NWLS attorneys and legal aides obtained nearly 1.3 million dollars for their clients.

$42,344

Public Benefits

Our staff averaged over $43,000 a month in awards for our clients between UC benefits, SSI, and public benefits.

42,525

Hours Logged

Time is money and we've saved our clients millions in attorney fees with over 42,000 hours worked on their behalf.

Our Services

Telephone Advice

NWLS offers legal advice by phone for a variety of legal issues.

Clinics for Clients

NWLS attorney-conducted custody classes providing guidance on filing a pro se action.

Direct Representation

NWLS provides direct legal representation for eligible clients and cases.

Pro Bono

Pro-bono representation through partnered private attorneys.