What kind of services does NLSA provide?
In 1966, with the encouragement of the Allegheny County Bar Association, NLSA was chartered as a private non-profit Pennsylvania corporation. (NLSA Incorporators) Its primary goal was to provide legal assistance to the poor in the Pittsburgh area. In 1974, NLSA expanded its service area to include Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties and has since established a 30 year tradition of providing equal access to the law in all 4 counties.
In 1997, NLSA became part ot the Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Consortium along with Laurel Legal Services and Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid. The co-operative efforts of this group have led to greater awareness of the needs of the entire area and the rise of new programs to meet those needs.
NLSA's service area covers four counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania-Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence. Please contact your specific county office for assistance.
NLSA issues annual reports which provides information on the types and number of cases handled and our funding sources. We are governed by our Board of Directors whose membership is compromised of both legal professionals and clients.
If you live in one of the four counties in our service area and you need help with a civil legal matter.
If your case is in a court in one of NLSA's four counties but you live outside of our service area in Pennsylvania or in another state. You do not need to obtain a referral to NLSA from your local legal services agency.
If you are a resident in our service area, but have a court case in another county or state. We will attempt to refer you to the proper county or state agency.
Please note: If you need legal help regarding criminal matters and are unable to pay a private attorney, contact the Public Defender's Office serving your county. NLSA cannot handle criminal matters.
What kind of services does NLSA provide?
NLSA may be able to assist clients in one of four ways. The telephone Helpline is a convenient way for clients to obtain legal advice and a referral for further assistance. The weekly People's Law Clinic held at the Allegheny County office in Pittsburgh provides legal advice and referrals on Family Law and Debt Advice. Clinics are also held at our Butler County office. Certain cases qualify for full service, which may entail representation at either court proceedings or administrative hearings. Finally, the Community Education link provides information on NLSA's Speaker's Bureau and connects you to information on a variety of topics.
The priorities of the program determine whether an individual has a type of case which NLSA handles and also the level of service the client may receive.
Main Office: 928 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3799
Telephone: (412) 255-6700
Toll-Free: 1-866-761-6572
Fax: (412) 355-0168
