Fighting Inequity, Injustice, and Poverty
A Legacy of Empowering Philadelphians Since 1966
Community Legal Services (CLS) is a beacon of hope for low-income Philadelphians facing adversity. Since 1966, we have been standing in the community, providing free legal assistance and empowering individuals to combat poverty, systemic injustice, and life-altering challenges.
Our Mission
Our mission is to fight for social justice, challenge unfair systems, and transform lives through impactful legal advocacy and exceptional representation. We believe every Philadelphian deserves access to justice and the opportunity to thrive.
Compassionate Advocacy across Diverse Issues
Our skilled attorneys and staff tackle a vast array of legal challenges affecting our clients' lives. We offer comprehensive legal services across several key areas:
Public Benefits: Accessing essential benefits like healthcare, food assistance, and housing subsidies.
Employment & Housing: Protecting jobs, defending against eviction, and navigating unemployment challenges.
Debt & Consumer Rights: Assisting with debt collection, credit repair, and consumer fraud issues.
Utilities & Family Matters: Ensuring access to utilities, managing housing costs, and resolving family-related legal concerns.
Criminal Records & Social Advocacy: Empowering individuals with criminal records to find employment and rebuild their lives.
Impactful Community Engagement
We are more than just a legal organization. We believe in fostering lasting change through:
- Community Outreach: Providing educational workshops and legal clinics to raise awareness of legal resources.
- Policy Advocacy: Fighting for policy changes that address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
- Public Education: Challenging unjust practices and mobilizing the community for collective action.
Join Us in the Fight for Fairness
Since our inception, CLS has helped over one million Philadelphians achieve justice and build a stronger community. As a dedicated team of legal and social service professionals, we are committed to continuing this vital work.
Let us stand with you on your journey towards a more just and equitable future.Positive Experiences with Attorney
Some clients have reported positive experiences with their attorneys, citing helpfulness, patience, and communication.
Good Representation
A few attorneys, such as Attorney Sarah Kim Eisenhard, have been praised for their excellent representation and help in difficult situations.
Recovery of Lost Funds
One client was grateful to have their money recovered with the help of the legal services provided.
Professionalism and Compassion
Some clients have expressed their gratitude for the professionalism, compassion, and intelligence of the attorneys and staff.
Negative Experiences with Attorney
On the other hand, some clients have reported negative experiences with their attorneys, including poor communication, lack of representation, and conflicts of interest.
Unhelpful Attorneys
Some attorneys, such as Lydia Ellsworth and Tiffany Holland McAnany, have been criticized for their lack of representation, unprofessional behavior, and conflicts of interest.
Limited Availability
Some clients have also expressed frustration with the limited availability of intake services, citing inflexible schedules and unhelpful staff.
Disappointment and Frustration
Several clients have reported feeling disappointed and frustrated with the services provided, citing unmet expectations and lack of assistance.

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