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- Bay Area Legal Services, Inc
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc
Bay Area Legal Services, Tampa Bay’s largest non-profit public-interest law firm, opens equal access to high-quality civil legal services to eligible residents of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Trained staff direct callers through our region-wide legal helpline, our statewide senior legal helpline, and a dedicated helpline for the region’s Veterans. We provide civil legal advice and representation across many civil issues: family law, domestic violence, housing, evictions and threat of homelessness, public benefits, employment, senior housing preservation, elder financial exploitation, foster children, relative caregivers, legal services to non-profits, and free information for pro se litigants. Special initiatives include a new Veterans Law Center; legal aid for victims of 2107 hurricanes Irma and Maria; medical-legal partnerships in St. Pete and with the Bay Pines VA system; and issue-specific pro bono attorney training projects. 18,000+ served yearly.
Purpose
At Bay Area Legal Services, we are here for one reason: To help. We believe that access to justice is fundamental to strong, safe communities. Our lawyers, paralegals, and support staff are dedicated to providing free civil legal services to qualified and low-income residents and nonprofits throughout the Tampa Bay area. Last year, we helped and educated more than 18,000 individuals, families, and community groups.
Vision
BALS aims to eliminate barriers to justice through high quality legal services, education, and community partnerships.
Additional Culture Details
Our organizational culture is built by mission and through daily practice on collaboration rather than competition. Our diverse staff and volunteers share common goals to be of service, to treat others with respect, and to ensure equal access to justice -- a reflection of Bay Area Legal’s core values. Throughout our workforce, Bay Area places a strong emphasis on and encourages healthy work-life balance to keep all employees emotionally and mentally prepared for our often stressful work.