The Statue of Liberty welcomes all those entering the United States , its “ huddled masses yearning to be free .” In 1876 , that sentiment was evident when the first Legal Aid Society was established in New York City . It was a private , charitable program , defending the rights of European immigrants , unfairly denied equality before the law , the right to counsel and the right to a fair trial .
Subsequently , after President Lyndon Johnson ’ s 1964 “ War on Poverty ” established the Legal Services Program , those rights were pursued throughout the United States through legal aid programs . By 2015 , nearly 300 such organizations existed . They provided a range of legal programs dedicated to providing free legal assistance to those who could not afford to hire a lawyer .
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego CEO Gregory Knoll
In San Diego , LASSD was established in 1919 as the “ Office of the Public Attorney .” It was incorporated under its current name in 1953 . For over 100 years , LASSD has provided free legal services to low-income people throughout the county .
NOVEMBER 19TH AT THE US GRANT
Its staff has grown from one attorney to a staff of 175 , including 75 fulltime staff attorneys , and 200 volunteers , offering both a practical and holistic approach to helping people achieve justice , improving their quality of life . LASSD specializes in housing issues , consumer protection , foreclosure prevention , access to healthcare , income maintenance , nutritional security , disability benefits , immigration , family law , taxes , special education law and more . The organization also offers free legal clinics at county courthouses and libraries .
Each year , LASSD helps thousands of individuals and families . A compassionate staff , board of directors , and volunteers are the bridge that connects the law with clients ’ civil and human rights .
For more information , contact Lorena Slomanson at ( 619 ) 913-8599 . www . lassd . org
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