We believe our entire community is stronger when everyone has a home, economic security, and essential public services. We use the law to make the social safety net work for everyone. Our work makes San Mateo County a more just and equitable place to live.
We represent clients as they navigate complex legal systems.
We empower people to advocate for themselves.
We fix broken systems through policy change.
We envision a San Mateo County with equitable access to resources for all; strong legal representation that helps people obtain stable housing, health care, education, economic security, immigration status, protection from abuse, and family stability; and laws, policies, and practices that ensure lasting social justice.
In 1959, a dedicated group of lawyers and community leaders recognized an unmet need to help the less fortunate in San Mateo County. Thanks to these founders, in a small one-room office, the Legal Aid Society was born. One of the earliest cases involved a Spanish-speaking maid who was not allowed to retrieve her belongings when she resigned. Legal Aid successfully advocated on her behalf and the client was able to recover her possessions.
Since then, the Legal Aid Society has grown to become one of California’s most respected public interest law firms. A vital voice for San Mateo County’s undeserved populations, the organization has received awards for excellence in the delivery of legal services. Continuing to provide quality civil legal services to San Mateo County’s low-income residents. Our advocacy has evolved with the times; we fought for civil rights in the 1960s and fair wages for farmworkers in the 1980s.
Today the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County serves as legal advocates and representatives for disadvantaged people. We work closely with community organizations and county agencies to find solutions to our clients’ legal problems. Our work encompasses five broad areas: