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Organization

The Legal Aid Society was begun in the early 1960’s as a volunteer organization and created by attorneys who were members of the Orange County Bar Association. The volunteer attorneys agreed to take referrals in civil and criminal cases for local residents who could not afford an attorney. In 1967, the organization was formally incorporated in Florida as a not for profit under the name of Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. It hired its first director and full time staff and offered free civil legal services. Currently, Legal Aid employs about 45 staff including 18 attorneys and coordinates the contributions of time and money from over 3000 volunteers both attorneys and non-attorneys.

Legal Aid remains a local program with core support from volunteers whose dedication enables it to provide civil legal services primarily in Orange County. Legal Aid is especially proud of its Pro Bono Programs, and one of those programs, the Guardian ad Litem Program.

Mission

The primary purpose of the Legal Aid Society is to provide quality legal services for the low-income residents, the working poor, children, and disadvantaged groups with special legal needs in Orange County, Florida, and to assist in providing legal aid services to similarly situated residents of neighboring counties though an effective and fiscally sound program through the combined efforts of staff and pro bono attorneys.

Location

Since its creation, the program has been located at a variety of sites within downtown Orlando. In 1978, the Orange County Bar Association and Legal Aid purchased a building on North Orange Avenue. In 1990, Legal Aid moved to its present location at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Robinson Street.

Contributions

Legal Aid welcomes contributions from the public as well as attorneys. We offer secure online donations through Acceptiva.