As a Legal Services Corporation Organization, New Mexico Legal Aid stands at the forefront of the fight for equal access to justice for all.

The Legal Services Corporation supports our nation’s promise of justice for all by giving millions of low-income Americans a fair hearing on civil laws that protect people’s homes, health, safety, savings and livelihoods. In doing so, we also protect access to the American dream — the opportunity for every individual to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“The Legal Services Corporation is one of this country’s biggest allies in providing equal access to legal assistance,” said NMLA Executive Director Sonya Bellafant. “Together New Mexico Legal Aid and LSC have assisted thousands of low-income New Mexicans at no cost.  Thankfully. Congress and LSC recognized long ago that our legal system is difficult to navigate and there are numerous barriers. These challenges can adversely impact the very basic of human needs such as food, safety, housing and medical care.

“New Mexico Legal Aid is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with all national civil legal services providers as we celebrate LSC’s 50th Anniversary. Executive directors, board members and LSC will come together to celebrate history and to explore creative ways to continue our committment to support the working poor, veterans, tenants, families, children, farmers, seniors and people with disabilities.”

What is the Legal Services Corporation?

Congress established LSC as an independent nonprofit in 1974, directing it to support equal access to justice by funding legal assistance for low-income Americans who otherwise could not afford legal counsel on matters related to civil law.

What does LSC do?

We distribute funding to 131 independent nonprofit legal organizations that provide free civil legal representation and advice to people who qualify based on their income.

Who does LSC help?

More than 50 million Americans qualify for civil legal aid that can be life-changing for them, including:

• • Families facing foreclosure or wrongful eviction.

• • Women and children seeking protection from abusers.

• • Veterans wrongfully denied benefits they earned.

• • Senior citizens whose savings are threatened by fraud.

• • Survivors seeking support to rebuild after natural disasters.

• • Opioid users trying to overcome obstacles to recovery.

All Across America

LSC is the largest funder of civil legal aid in the country. In 2022, our grantees assisted 1.8 million rural and suburban Americans across every U.S. state, district and territory.

The Justice Gap

Low-income Americans do not receive any or enough legal help for 92% of their significant civil legal problems. LSC grantees help as many people as they can, but they don’t have enough resources to meet the demand.

You can help us protect the promise of justice for all. Visit lsc.gov/celebrate50.