Community Legal Services

Northwestern Legal Services has expanded our community legal service offerings in numerous ways. In addition to direct representation, we operate private attorney involvement programs, a telephone advice program, conduct Self-Help & Pro Se Clinics, and provide community education. See a list of the current types of cases we handle.

The Erie Office of Northwestern Legal Services houses our Central Intake Unit. To apply for low-income legal aid services, clients in our 10-county service area should call our Central Intake Unit at (814) 452-6949. The client's eligibility will be screened over the phone and if found eligible, an application for services is completed and an appointment is scheduled. In some areas of the law, telephone advice is also provided directly over the telephone. 

Legal Needs Assessment for Low-Income Legal Aid

NWLS periodically undergoes a Legal Needs Assessment to determine the community's legal services most needed within our 10-county service area. To assist in this process, we widely distribute questionnaires throughout the community, including clients, Judges and social service agencies, requesting input in this process. After assessing the collected information, and public meetings, we begin the process of restructuring our priority areas of representation.

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