Through this partnership with Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, we’ll provide title clearing assistance and estate planning services. We’ll also educate individuals on property financial literacy to help them confidently navigate homeownership.

We’re incredibly grateful for these partnerships and the opportunity to break down systemic barriers. By addressing heirs’ property issues, we’re actively working to protect generational wealth in historically marginalized communities.

 We have a full year ahead, and we’re ready to support families in clearing title issues, planning estates, and protecting their property rights. These efforts will help families rebuild, preserve wealth for future generations, and strengthen our communities.

 Want to get involved? Spread the word! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our work. Share information about these important issues and invite others to attend our educational clinics. You never know who may need access to legal services.

 Together, we can make a lasting impact and create stronger, more resilient communities.

What Did We Learn?

During the events, we conducted a mini-customer needs assessment to understand the legal topics most relevant to each community. This feedback helps us plan future clinics and outreach programs. Wills and estate planning emerged as the most requested topics, drawing the largest crowds and generating the most questions.

This valuable insight allows us to strategically design future events, ensuring we address the most pressing legal concerns and continue helping individuals achieve stability. Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making these legal fairs a success including the Access to Justice Commission (ATJ) with the Louisiana State Bar Association and Lagniappe Law Lab!

A big congratulations to Desiree Thomas, our dedicated housing unit caseworker, who has been re-elected as Secretary of the Lafayette Paralegals Association! Community partnerships like this help us extend our reach and provide vital resources to those in need. As a caseworker, Desiree plays a crucial role in connecting individuals with the support they need to prevent eviction and secure stable housing. We’re so proud of her commitment to both ALSC and the Lafayette community!

We’re thrilled to share that Elizabeth Brown, one of our remarkable staff attorneys, has been named the American Bar Association’s Fearless Lawyer for March! Elizabeth has been a tireless advocate for children for the past 26 years, representing over 18,000 children across 16 parishes in rural northeastern Louisiana. Her unwavering dedication to helping children find a better path has truly made a difference. Congratulations, Elizabeth, on this well-deserved recognition! Read more about Elizabeth’s inspiring work.

Help Seniors Like Libby Stay Secure and Independent. 

Legal problems can happen to anyone — a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or even the lady you sit next to in church. It's a part of life. Sadly, over 18% of our community lives at or below the poverty level, making legal challenges even harder to handle. These problems can lead to lost income, housing, family connections, and overall instability.

Take Libby, for example. She's over 60 and was awarded the family home in her divorce, while her ex-husband was supposed to take a small lot next to it. But he never removed her name from the property. Libby continued paying taxes and maintaining the lot, even though it wasn’t worth much.

When it came time to apply for Social Security benefits, that small lot became a big problem. The Social Security Administration (SSA) valued the lot at $4,500, causing Libby to receive an $8,000 overpayment notice. Without help, she risked losing her vital benefits.

That’s when ALSC stepped in. Our paralegal advocate worked with Libby to challenge the SSA’s valuation. A local realtor confirmed that the lot, located on a dead-end street and plagued by crime, was essentially worthless. Because of this evidence, SSA canceled the overpayment request, and Libby was able to keep her Social Security benefits. With our help, Libby regained her financial stability and peace of mind.

But Libby’s story is just one of many. How can you help others like her? Donate now! Your support allows ALSC to continue providing free legal services to seniors. Every tax-deductible gift helps us ensure seniors can live with dignity, independence, and security.

Seniors like Libby deserve respect and the opportunity to age with grace. Join us in making that a reality. Visit www.la-law.org/donate to contribute today. Together, we can fight for justice and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

*Clients name changed to protect identity

We’re thrilled to share that we received another grant from the Louisiana Bar Foundation's Acadiana Community Partnership Panel! This support will help us tackle expungement issues across the Acadiana area.

With this grant, we’ll host outreach events to spread the word about free expungement services, assist with expungement cases, and partner with other pro bono attorneys to provide guidance and support. Our mission is simple — to help people get a fresh start and build a fairer, more equitable community.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to learn more! View our upcoming events at https://www.la-law.org/events/.

We are seeking licensed, full time staff attorneys to represent low-income and elderly clients in various civil matters, like family law, housing, child-in-need-of-care, consumer and estate planning. If you would like to join our cause, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@la-law.org.

ALSC’s Volunteers help us to expand our services and help our clients receive justice. If you would like to volunteer in our pro bono program, visit https://www.la-law.org/volunteer/ to sign up today!