The Pledge of Allegiance is recited daily nationwide and ends with the words “and justice for all” and that sentiment is taken to heart by the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD). As the largest, most established provider of free legal aid in the county, the nonprofit law firm strives to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
The organization will celebrate its commitment to justice and equality at its 3rd annual San Diego Masquerade Gala on April 12 at the Prado in Balboa Park. The fundraising event will emphasize the real people and stories behind the legal cases LASSD handles.
In 2024, more than 40,000 people benefited from the nonprofit’s services. Hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time every year to aid San Diegans in need with their legal issues. The LASSD has helped with issues ranging from housing, health and consumer protection law to family, taxpayer rights and immigration.
As the Legal Aid Society’s main fundraising event of the year, the gala supports its ability to provide free legal services to lower income San Diego County residents and work towards its mission to improve lives by advancing justice through effective, efficient and vigorous legal advocacy, outreach and education. The gala also honors valued community partners in recognition of their significant contributions to the fight for justice.
In San Diego, nearly 1 in 10 residents live in poverty, amounting to approximately 335,000 individuals, including 86,000 children. In 2022, the Legal Services Corporation released a study called “The Justice Gap” that found that nationwide, 3 out of 4 low-income households faced at least 1 legal issue in the past year, yet only 1 in 4 sought help. The Legal Aid Society of San Diego is proud to offer much needed support for qualifying individuals and families.
In addition to providing free legal services, the LASSD is working to prevent homelessness through its Housing Justice Collaborative program. The program is a network of community-based organizations committed to preventing evictions and reducing homelessness.
The Housing Justice Collaborative launched a new website in 2024 to help tenants in San Diego to stay housed by providing information about resources for free legal clinics, free Know Your Rights presentations, emergency rental assistance, affordable housing availability, and other resources.
Last year also saw LASSD work with victims of the devastating January floods to provide them immediate services. LASSD staff went to multiple shelters to meet with displaced residents. Direct legal service was provided to 237 households, which benefited 377 adults and 215 minors.
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego is a proud, committed group of people dedicated to providing equal access to justice for poor people through aggressive, quality legal services. As legal advocates they redress clients’ legal problems, empower clients to access and effectively participate within the legal, governmental and social systems and encourage self-empowerment in the fight against poverty and injustice.