Charleston Legal Access is South Carolina’s FIRST and only nonprofit law firm offering fees based on income level.

As a non-profit law firm founded in 2016, our mission is to expand access to justice in South Carolina
by providing high-quality legal representation to moderate- to low-income individuals and families.

Our services include:

  • Advice and counsel sessions over the phone for free

  • 1-2 hours of in-depth, in-person consultations for a flat fee

  • Full legal representation on a sliding scale

Our sliding scale model provides legal assistance at low, accessible rates of $50 - $100 per hour which is determined by income and family size. Learn more about qualifying for our legal services.

Attorney access, even very limited representation, changes outcomes for families. It can often preserve homes, income streams, and other assets that maintain financial stability and well-being in communities. However, when faced with a legal emergency, many individuals who do not qualify for free legal representation take the risk of going without an attorney, only to find themselves in worse financial and legal trouble and at risk of losing everything.

Charleston Legal Access’ vision is a South Carolina with access to high-quality legal representation for everyone contributing to a more fair and equitable justice system.​

CLA aims to bridge the gap for individuals and families who cannot afford private attorneys but earn too much to qualify for free legal aid.

  • You are eligible for Charleston Legal Access’ services if your income is between:
    -  $18,825 - $60,240 for an individual
    -  $25,550 - $81,760 for a family of two
    -  $32,275 - $103,280 for a family of three
    - $39,000 - $124,800 for a family of four

    If you do not qualify please look at these other resources located here.

  • Elder

    Family

    Housing

    Property

    Victims' Rights

    If you have a civil case, connect with us. We do not handle any criminal cases.

  • We typically serve clients in Charleston County, Dorchester County, and Berkeley County for efficiency reasons. However, we may make exceptions to this rule if you can travel to the Tri-County area for meetings with your attorney and court hearings. Our office is located in North Charleston.

  • To take the first steps in seeing if our skilled attorneys can take your case, please contact us at 843-640-5980 ext. 4 or fill out our intake request form below. Se Habla Espanol.

    We will reach out to you to learn more about your case and get additional details.

    You are not alone, we are here to help.