A Closer Look at Mid Penn Legal Services
Mission Statement
"We are committed to providing access to civil legal services to the poor, empowering income eligible families and individuals, and advocating for economic justice throughout our four core values: Justice for Low-Income People, Respect for All Persons, Pursuit of Excellence in All We Do and Integrity in Serving Our Clients and the Public."
In 1968, the Federal Economic Opportunity Act created a prohibition on legal assistance to the middle class. In its place came the Legal Services Corporation, which provides legal aid for only those who qualify under poverty guidelines established by the federal government. Legal Aid of Lancaster County received federal funding and began to offer assistance to low-income families in Lancaster.
The National Consumer Law Center created the Lancaster Consumer Law Unit in 1981 so it could provide additional legal assistance to low-income clients in Lancaster County. In 1992 , the Lancaster unit and Legal Aid of Lancaster County merged to form the Lancaster Legal Assistance Program (now known as Mid Penn Legal Services).
For more than four decades, Mid Penn Legal has been the only organization in Lancaster whose attorneys are members of the Bar and whose paralegals are supervised by attorneys. Mid Penn Legal Services’ lawyers and paralegals are all held to the same standards, and serve their clients based upon the same guidelines. As one of the largest providers of free civil legal services in Pennsylvania, the organization is currently serving 14 Pennsylvania counties, all of which are west of the Susquehanna River.
What Can Mid Penn Legal Services Do for You?
Mid Penn Legal Services offers a wide range of legal services to support its mission of aiding those most in need. In Lancaster County, qualified individuals can find invaluable guidance and representation in critical areas of law that impact everyday life. From family law to housing issues, consumer protection, employment, and individuals with disabilities, Mid Penn Legal Services works within the legal framework to provide access to justice for all.
One of the primary areas where Mid Penn Legal Services provides assistance is family law. Lancaster residents can access legal help regarding domestic matters such as child custody, divorce, guardianship, and adoption. Those experiencing domestic violence or threats also benefit from their invaluable services in obtaining protection from abuse orders, relocation, and court representation.
Housing is another area of focus for Mid Penn Legal Services. They provide guidance for both landlords and tenants on navigating complex legal issues. Individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming so can receive critical legal advice and support. Homeowners facing foreclosure or secured creditors can turn to the legal aid service for assistance in protecting their property rights.
Consumers may find themselves facing a variety of challenges, from debt collection to student loans and unfair mortgage practices. Mid Penn Legal Services allows consumers to access legal support and representation to help them fight back against unfair treatment and fraud. Additionally, the non-profit offers essential services to those struggling with debt collection, social security, and unemployment compensation.
Individuals with disabilities also receive much-needed support from Mid Penn Legal Services. Their attorneys work to safeguard against discrimination and provide advice regarding social security and public benefits. They help those with disabilities navigate the complexities of federal and state laws and regulations.
Through their comprehensive range of services, Mid Penn Legal Services makes a significant impact on the legal landscape in Lancaster County. They play an essential role in ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.
How to Get Services at Mid Penn Legal Services in Lancaster
Located in central Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is served by the dedicated team at Mid Penn Legal Services (MPLS). Active in 18 out of the county’s 60 municipalities, legal aid services are offered to all Lancaster residents who are low income and in need of civil legal assistance. Cases MPLS handles include family law concerns such as divorce proceedings, custody issues, and domestic violence situations, as well as housing problems, public benefits issues, consumer rights, and public education matters. While the scope of cases they handle is extensive, MPLS is unable to provide services for personal injury matters, special education, or wills.
Eligibility criteria for MPLS services are based upon the household and public assistance income guidelines for the state of Pennsylvania. Households under the basic federal poverty line typically qualify for free legal services. However, individuals with incomes over the basic level may be required to pay a $30 sliding fee on a case-to-case basis. Fees are established by Mid Penn and waiveable depending on the financial situation of the client. Individuals under age 60 are required to apply for public assistance coverage prior to being approved for services by MPLS.
The office is located on the second floor of the Lancaster County Public Library on 125 N Duke Street in Lancaster, PA. In addition to operating a walk-in clinic on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, MPLS offers evening clinics for those who can’t make it during regular clinic hours on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. If you would prefer to call MPLS to learn more about services and availability, you can reach them at (717) 299-7380.
The Impact of Mid Penn Legal Services
Mid Penn Legal Services has been a positive force in the Lancaster community for many years, providing legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable residents. Their impact can be seen and felt throughout the county and in many neighborhoods. The Lancaster branch office serves clients in Lancaster County, which has the third highest rate of residents living in poverty in the state. The immigrants and refugees who MPS assists comprise 15 percent of our local population. The office served over 3,500 low-income clients in 2017 alone, providing nearly $1million worth of free legal help. One success story is that of Maria, a low income single mother of four children. She had been living in a rental property and was being charged double her rent amount due to an increased rental fee. The landlord was refused to return the overpayment. Maria called MPS and met with an attorney regarding the situation. Her case was re-allocated because of a previously-tried request for payment by prior management. Maria’s case is currently on hold, as the landlord withdrew the request for a double rent payment. Hopefully, that will be the final word on this matter. Latisha , a 49-year-old single mom with two children, began experiencing seizures at age 21. Many seizures were so severe that they required Latisha to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. The seizures made her unable to maintain long term employment. After a seizure occurred while she was driving, Latisha lost her license. By this time, Latisha’s son was old enough to work. With the assistance of MPS, Latisha was able to obtain a Driving Without a License citation and pay a fine. She also is now able to secure employment because she can now get a driver’s license. Through Mid Penn Legal Services, Luther, a refugee from Bhutan, received unparalleled assistance when his family had lost their home. Luther’s daughter was attacked by a group of police officers and her spinal cord was damaged. She is currently disabled. Luther was forced to move in with his daughter, who was no longer eligible for public assistance because she had moved out of state. Luther and his family struggled to pay her hospital bills and fell behind on the rent. Mid Penn Legal Services helped Luther apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for his daughter.
Support and Volunteer with Mid Penn Legal Services
Mid Penn Legal Services relies on the kindness and generosity of its community to continue providing its essential services to Lancaster residents. If you’re passionate about increasing equal access to justice for low-income individuals and families in Lancaster County, you can volunteer your time and contribute to their mission.
Volunteers can lend their talent and experience to support from behind-the-scenes by handling administrative tasks that help streamline efforts and maintain the organization’s efficiency. The need is particularly strong for those who can help at larger special events throughout the year, like the Annual Pro Bono Reception, which takes place in early December.
Mid Penn Legal Services also hosts a variety of fundraising and community outreach events throughout the year that allow members of the Lancaster community to support them in their mission. The organization also promotes opportunities to support them via AmazonSmile—a program that allows participants to donate to Mid Penn Legal Services through their normal purchases on Amazon. Additionally, direct donations can be made through the organization’s Giving Corner.
FAQs
What types of legal issues do you handle?
Mid Penn Legal Services in Lancaster provides free civil legal assistance to low income people. The types of legal issues we handle include public benefits, housing, employment, consumer debt, utilities, family law, and guardianship.
How much does it cost to use your services?
We understand our clients’ limited incomes, so all of our services are provided free of charge. We receive grant funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation as well as other agencies, which helps keep our services available.
How long does it take to get services?
Most of our cases have an emergency need (safe housing, domestic violence, loss of job) and we seek to address needs as quickly as we can. We accept cases for review and placement into our system when a new vacancy becomes available. Acceptable cases are assigned as soon as possible to a staff attorney or paralegal.
My spouse needs assistance with a family law issue. Will you speak with him or her?
The simple answer is "no." As a non-profit legal service provider, our contract legal liability terminates at the absence of an attorney-client relationship entered by our staff attorney. That means we can only provide information to that person and direct them to speak with someone at Mid Penn Legal Services. This policy protects you and us.
How do I know you are a trustworthy organization?
Mid Penn Legal Services is a non-profit organization governed by a board and held accountable by its funders with a strict reporting and compliance process. We regularly seek to hear from our community partners and clients about how we are serving our purpose. We also conduct outcome studies , listening sessions, and market research to ensure we are helping people in a meaningful way.
My landlord is asking me to leave my home. What can you do to help?
This is a complex question and needs to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We strongly advise you to contact us by phone to go through some brief background questions to determine what type of assistance we can provide. In the meantime, there are several resources for eviction help available online and in the community, including:
Pennsylvania Tenant Help: Tri-County Housing Development Corporation
Lancaster Bar Association – pro bono program & referrals
Lancaster Housing Authority
Community Legal Services Harrisburg
The Center for Justice & Equity
Lancaster Bar Association (LBA)
Can I contact you on behalf of a relative?
We welcome calls on behalf of someone who may need our assistance, such as an elderly parent or child. However, for confidentiality purposes, we cannot speak with anyone but the client about their case unless we have your written permission to do so. Your privacy is very important to us.
Do I have to come into your office?
Generally, appointments are made over the phone, with an in-office appointment scheduled where applicable. If you have particular transportation or health concerns, please let our staff know.