Community Legal Services
Northwestern Legal Services has expanded our community legal service offerings in numerous ways.
The Erie Office of Northwestern Legal Services houses our Central Intake Unit. Clients in our 10-county service area should call our Central Intake Unit at (814) 452-6949 to apply for low-income legal aid services. The client's eligibility will be screened over the phone.
If found eligible, an application for services is completed, and an appointment is scheduled. In some areas of the law, telephone advice is provided directly.
Services We Offer
Telephone Advice 📱
NWLS provides legal advice over the phone for a variety of issues, offering a convenient way to access expert guidance without needing to visit an office.
Direct Representation 💼
Our attorneys offer direct legal representation to eligible clients, providing comprehensive support for specific legal matters.
Custody Clinics 🧑🧒🧒
We provide attorney-led custody clinics for eligible clients, including guidance on how to file a pro se action for obtaining or modifying custody orders.
Pro Bono ⚖️
NWLS collaborates with private attorneys to offer pro bono legal representation to low-income individuals. In Erie County, this service is offered through the Legal Aid Volunteer Attorney (LAVA) program, which is in collaboration with the Erie County Bar Association (ECBA).
Counties We Serve
NWLS offers complimentary legal aid to low-income individuals in Pennsylvania through its six regional offices, serving the following counties:
- Erie
- Crawford
- Mercer
- Venango
- Warren
- McKean
- Forest
- Elk
- Cameron
- Potter
Legal Needs Assessment for Low-Income Legal Aid
NWLS periodically undergoes a Legal Needs Assessment to determine the community's legal services most needed within our 10-county service area. To assist in this process, we widely distribute questionnaires throughout the community, including clients, judges, and social service agencies, requesting input in this process. After assessing the collected information, we begin the process of restructuring our priority areas of representation.
However, you will not be a client of Northwestern Legal Services unless we contact you and tell you that your case is accepted.
