Business Details
10 Years
experience
Affordable Legal Services in Charleston, SC
Charleston Legal Access is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing quality legal services at affordable rates through a sliding scale model. Established in 2016, we serve Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, offering advice, consultations, and full representation in civil matters. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in family law, housing, immigration, victims' rights, and consumer rights. We prioritize accessibility, ensuring individuals who do not qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford private attorneys receive competent representation. Recognized with the 2024 Reisman Legal Impact Award, we remain committed to bridging the justice gap.Our sliding scale fees start at $60 per hour, determined by income and family size. We collaborate with community organizations and advocate for systemic change while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. With over $3.3 million in assets preserved and 1,565 individuals assisted since inception, we combine legal expertise with community-driven solutions. Our mission aligns with the values of justice, equity, and service, ensuring every client receives personalized and effective legal support.
Services
Family Law
Housing Disputes
Immigration Law
Victims' Rights
Consumer Rights
Probate Litigation
Contract Disputes
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer a sliding scale model starting at $60/hour based on income and family size.
- Our team serves Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties with localized expertise.
- Recognized as the 2024 Reisman Legal Impact Award winner for community contributions.
- Nonprofit focus ensures commitment to accessibility and ethical legal representation.
- Clients praise our effective advocacy and personalized approach in testimonials.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) organization
What people say
Effective representation
Fighting chance
Amazing
Deeply understands local needs
Affordable rates
Services
Family Law
Our family law services address divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. We provide compassionate representation tailored to clients' financial circumstances through our sliding scale model. With experienced attorneys, we prioritize equitable outcomes while navigating complex legal systems.
Immigration Law
We assist with immigration cases including visas, citizenship applications, and deportation defense. Our team offers culturally sensitive support, particularly for the Hispanic community, ensuring clients understand their rights and legal pathways in the U.S.
Housing Disputes
Our housing services focus on eviction prevention and tenant rights. Through the Eviction Protection Program, weve assisted over 1,056 tenants, advocating for fair housing practices and stable living conditions in the Tri-County area.
Victims' Rights
We represent victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma in court proceedings. Our attorneys collaborate with community organizations to provide holistic support, ensuring survivors receive legal protection and resources for recovery.
Consumer Rights
Our consumer rights services address debt collection disputes, fraud cases, and unfair business practices. While temporarily paused for new cases, we continue advocating for clients' financial fairness and legal protections under state and federal laws.
People
Lana Kleiman
Attorney
Lana Kleiman, a 2021 Trident United Way Nonprofit Leader of the Year, specializes in family law and domestic violence cases. She brings experience from New York Legal Assistance Group and DLA Piper, LLP.
Dorothy Blackwelder
Attorney
Dorothy Blackwelder focuses on immigration and family law, combining legal expertise with advocacy for foster care reform. She graduated magna cum laude from Charleston School of Law in 2024.
Mary Vosburgh
Senior Staff Attorney
Mary Vosburgh advocates for homeless veterans, specializing in Social Security Disability and veterans' benefits. She founded Charleston's first Homeless Court and serves as a municipal court judge.
Stephen
Equal Justice Works Housing Fellow
Stephen handles housing law with eight years of civil litigation experience. Licensed in South Carolina and federal courts, he holds degrees from Charleston School of Law and Columbia International University.
Sally Corbette Newman
Founder
Sally Newman founded Charleston Legal Access in 2016 as South Carolina's first nonprofit modest-means law firm. A Dartmouth and NYU Law graduate, she championed access to justice until her passing in 2019.
Questions
What income levels qualify for services?
Individuals earning $19,563–$62,600 and families of four earning $40,188–$128,600 qualify for sliding scale fees.
Which counties do you serve?
We primarily serve Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties but may accept clients from other areas who can travel to Tri-County meetings.
What legal areas do you cover?
We handle family law, housing, immigration, victims' rights, consumer rights, and contract disputes, excluding criminal cases.
Are services free?
Services are sliding scale based on income. Those below 125% of the Federal Poverty Line may qualify for free aid through partner organizations.
How do I start the intake process?
Complete our online intake form or call 843-640-5980, ext. 3, for bilingual assistance to begin your case evaluation.
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