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 25,000 individuals, families, and community groups.

If you need legal assistance, please use this site to learn about our services. Then, take the first step and call us today. If you are interested in volunteering your time or making a donation to help us accomplish our mission, this site is your guide.

At Bay Area Legal Services, we are here for one reason: To help.

• Local Attorneys Recognized for Outstanding Pro Bono Service

  Hillsborough County attorneys and law firms were honored at the annual Pro Bono Service Awards ceremony on April 25th at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center. The event was dedicated to the memory of attorney Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. and included a moment of silence in memory of Judge Don Castor. Congratulations to the award recipients.

  Megan Ellis - Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer;

  Hill Ward Henderson - Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Law Firm;

  Jo Ann Palchak - Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Lawyer;

  Craig Rothburd - Special Recognition Award;

  Shook Hardy Bacon - Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Law Firm;

  Pat Skelton - Jimmy Kynes Pro Bono Service Award; and

  St. Michael’s Legal Center - Outstanding Pro Bono Service by an Organization.

• Foreclosure Assistance for Hillsborough and Pasco County Residents

  BALS recently received funding to expand our legal assistance to residents of Hillsborough and Pasco counties who are facing foreclosure.Whether you are behind on your mortgage payments or have already received foreclosure papers, we can provide help. Please call the Legal Aid Line at 813.232.1343 (Hillsborough) or 1.800.625.2257 (Pasco) to be screened for an appointment to speak to an attorney about your options and possible further assistance in your case. To learn more about the project, click here for a recent story on ABC Action News - WFTS/TV.

• New BALS office in Ybor City

  Our Tampa (formerly at 829 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.) and Fiscal offices are now located at 1302 North 19th Street, Suite 400, in Tampa. Click here for a map of our new location.

• Our Sustaining Law Firm Campaign is going strong!

  Thank you to all of the attorneys and firms who have supported us. Click here to see our Sustaining Law Firms.