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.

2024 Story of Impact:

Delco resident Ms. N wanted to end her lease early after her ex-partner, who had been abusive, repeatedly entered her apartment complex through unlocked outside doors and physically assaulted her, resulting in a visit to the emergency room. Despite having a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, her abuser continued to make threats and send others to the property with intention of causing her harm. She lived in constant fear of her safety.

When Ms. N explained her situation to her landlord, the landlord refused to let her break her lease without significant cost penalties, which she could not afford. Ms. N then sought help from LASP. A LASP attorney wrote a letter to Ms. N's landlord requesting that she be let out of her lease without penalty, and stated that if the landlord refused, they are on notice that Ms. N is at risk of harm on their property.

As a result, the landlord agreed to let Ms. N move early. She is now relieved to be in safer housing, with the added peace of knowing her abuser doesn't know her new address.

Our impact in Delaware County in 2024:

• LASP handled 2,565 cases that helped a total of 5,149 adults and children.


• LASP preserved or improved housing for 205 adults and children.


• LASP increased Veterans estimated lifetime income by $7 million.


• LASP appeared in court 176 times for victims of domestic abuse.


• LASP cleared 145 records through expungement, sealing, and pardons.

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