Business Details
27 Years
experience
Free Legal Services for Underserved Communities in San Francisco
Lawyers For One America (LFOA) has dedicated over two decades to bridging the legal access gap for underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our volunteer attorneys specialize in non-litigation legal services, empowering low-income individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to achieve economic self-sufficiency. We provide critical expertise in tax compliance, business formation, nonprofit governance, and estate planning, with a proven track record of resolving over $200 federal and state tax returns for clients facing financial hardship. Founded in 1999, our organization emerged from a national call to action addressing systemic inequities in legal representation, a mission that remains urgent today. Our team combines deep technical knowledge of tax law, corporate governance, and nonprofit regulations with a commitment to community empowerment.We operate through strategic partnerships with donors and legal professionals who share our vision of equal justice under the law. Our services directly combat community deterioration by enabling clients to navigate complex legal frameworks that impact their long-term stability. With a focus on practical solutions, we help nonprofits maintain tax-exempt status, guide small businesses through formation and expansion, and assist individuals with estate planning documents. Our volunteer model leverages the expertise of seasoned attorneys while maintaining rigorous standards of professional accountability. This sustained effort has positioned LFOA as a trusted resource for communities historically excluded from legal support systems.
Services
Tax Advice and Settlement
Business Formation
Nonprofit Formation
Wills and Living Trusts
Power of Attorney
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in nonprofit and tax law for underserved communities
- Our volunteer attorneys specialize in non-litigation solutions for low-income clients
- We maintain partnerships with major donors to expand legal access during crises
- Our team includes tax attorneys and corporate governance experts
- We focus specifically on Northern California communities with limited legal resources
Services
Tax Advice and Settlement
Our tax resolution service helps low-wealth clients address outstanding tax liabilities through strategic negotiations with federal and state agencies. We specialize in reducing tax burdens for underserved individuals and organizations while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. This service includes comprehensive analysis of tax situations and development of customized settlement strategies.
Business Formation
We provide essential legal guidance for small business formation, including entity selection, registration, and compliance documentation. Our attorneys help entrepreneurs establish legally sound business structures tailored to their specific industry requirements and growth objectives in the San Francisco Bay Area market.
Nonprofit Formation
This service supports community organizations seeking tax-exempt status through comprehensive guidance on nonprofit formation and governance. We assist with 501(c)(3) applications, bylaws development, and ongoing compliance requirements to ensure organizational sustainability for service-oriented nonprofits.
Wills and Living Trusts
Our estate planning service creates legally binding documents including wills and living trusts to protect clients' assets and ensure their wishes are honored. We focus on accessible solutions for underserved individuals who need to establish clear directives for healthcare and property distribution.
Power of Attorney
We prepare healthcare directives and power of attorney documents that empower clients to designate decision-makers for medical and financial matters. This service ensures legal protection and continuity of care through properly executed legal instruments tailored to individual needs.
People
Kim L. Simmons
Chair of Board
Community advocate and artist with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and social justice initiatives. Leads strategic direction for LFOA's community engagement programs.
Shana A. Simmons
President
General Counsel at Everlaw with expertise in corporate law and nonprofit governance. Oversees LFOA's legal operations and volunteer attorney coordination.
Alan R. Sankin
Treasurer
Tax attorney and volunteer LFOA attorney with specialized knowledge in resolving complex tax liability cases for underserved populations.
Teveia Rose Barnes
Executive Director
Legal services leader managing day-to-day operations and client outreach programs. Directs LFOA's efforts in expanding access to free legal assistance across Northern California.
Yacov Golan
Trustee
Retired park ranger and community leader contributing to LFOA's strategic planning and local engagement initiatives. Brings unique perspective on community needs and service delivery.
Questions
What types of legal services does LFOA provide?
We offer free non-litigation legal services including tax resolution, business formation, nonprofit governance, and estate planning documents for underserved communities in Northern California.
Who qualifies for LFOA's free legal assistance?
Low-income individuals, small businesses, and community service-oriented nonprofits in the San Francisco Bay Area can qualify for our services based on financial need and case complexity.
How do I schedule a consultation with LFOA attorneys?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your legal needs. Our volunteer attorneys will review your case and schedule a consultation if we can provide assistance.
Does LFOA handle litigation cases?
No, we specialize in non-litigation legal services. Our focus is on preventive legal solutions and administrative resolution of tax and business matters.
How is LFOA funded?
We rely on donations from individuals and corporations. Major donors include Dolby Labs, Salesforce, and community supporters who enable our free legal services through tax-deductible contributions.
