Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Here at LASP, we believe that justice under the law is a right, not a privilege.

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) is the main provider of free civil legal assistance in the Philadelphia suburbs. At LASP, we provide free civil legal aid to those who cannot afford it on their own, survivors of domestic violence, and Veterans.

Unlike criminal cases, in civil cases there's no guaranteed right to free legal representation. Civil law includes problems like eviction, foreclosure, protection from abuse, child custody, accessing benefits, sealing a criminal record, and so much more. This means that people who can't afford legal help are left to navigate complex and confusing legal processes alone. In fact, in 75% of civil court cases one or both parties are unrepresented. This is where LASP comes in. Representation can make the difference in whether people get the legal outcome they need. LASP believes it is important that when people face potentially life altering situations, income isn't the barrier preventing them from accessing the help they need.

With LASP as community resource, an attorney can help neighbors navigating potentially life altering problems. With LASP as a community resource, we can ensure fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money they have.

As a non-profit, LASP relies on the support and generosity of our donors in order to operate. By becoming a donor to LASP you play a direct role in connecting your neighbors to the legal help they need.

2025 Story of Impact:

Ms. S endured years of severe abuse at the hands of her husband before she sought help from LASP. During one particularly violent assault, he beat her so severely that she fell into a coma. Authorities did not initially charge her husband because she had limited memory of the incident.

By the time Ms. S reached out to LASP, authorities had jailed her husband on charges of strangulation and aggravated assault. Fearing for her life upon his release, Ms. S worked with a trauma-informed LASP attorney. The attorney quickly filed the necessary paperwork, conducted interviews, and represented her in multiple court proceedings. Her LASP attorney secured a 3-year final Protection from Abuse (PFA) order and helped Ms. S create a safety plan for her husband’s eventual release. Ms. S expressed deep relief for the legal protections in place and left this message for her LASP attorney: 

“(You) helped me be strong enough to break the chains he held me in!...You saved my life.”

Our impact in Delaware County in 2025:

• LASP handled 2,493 cases that helped a total of 5,138 adults and children.
• LASP preserved or improved housing for 187 adults and children.
• LASP obtained 168 positive decisions for Veterans, increasing their estimated lifetime income by over $66 million.
• LASP made 130 adults and children safer through Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.
• LASP cleared 207 records through expungement, sealing, and pardons.

To learn more about LASP, visit www.lasp.org.