The Power of Legal

Charleston Legal Access
Representation for all our neighbors

Life isn’t always predictable. Sometimes, when you least expect it, you—or your neighbor—may need help. When that help is legal support, and the cost of hiring an attorney feels out of reach, Charleston Legal Access is here to step in.

Providing high-quality legal services on a sliding scale, with rates starting as low as $60 per hour (based on income and family size), Charleston Legal Access is the only nonprofit law firm serving Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties. Their belief is simple: everyone deserves access to quality legal representation at a price they can afford.

Founded in 2016, Charleston Legal Access is on a mission to expand justice in South Carolina by serving moderate- to low-income individuals and families. The importance of this work cannot be overstated—especially right now. According to data from Trident United Way, nearly 40% of households across South Carolina fall below the ALICE Threshold. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents individuals and families who live paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings, often just one unexpected expense—an illness, a car repair—away from financial crisis.

These are hardworking members of our community, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. And still, sometimes, the math just doesn’t math. In the Tri-County area, it costs more than $89,000 a year for a family of four to cover basic necessities: housing, transportation, technology, food, and childcare.

Legal trouble is often one of those breaking points. Too often, people face serious legal issues without representation, and the consequences can be devastating. Charleston Legal Access works to change that. Their services include free phone advice and counsel sessions, in-person consultations for a flat fee, and full legal representation on a sliding scale.

Their team provides expert guidance in civil rights, elder abuse and financial exploitation, family law, housing, probate, immigration, and more, because even basic legal support can make a life-changing difference. Their work is invaluable to a mother escaping domestic violence with her children. To an undocumented worker seeking asylum. To a senior on a fixed income facing eviction. These neighbors need support, and Charleston Legal Access is there to provide it.

Next month, Charleston Legal Access celebrates its tenth anniversary, and there’s still time to get involved. Join them on Thursday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m. at The Waverly for an elegant evening with legal professionals and community members committed to expanding access to justice and strengthening the community we all call home.

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