Legal Aid Works

We champion fairness by advocating for those with the least access to the civil justice system. 

We envision a just society in which barriers to justice are eliminated.

How LAW champions fairness:

Facing a future without legal representation is a stark reality for many low-income Virginians involved in civil cases. Unlike criminal proceedings, where the right to counsel is assured, civil matters often leave individuals unsupported, compounding vulnerabilities for those seeking protection from domestic violence or families striving to keep their homes. At Legal Aid Works, we exist to dismantle these barriers and advocate for access to justice as a universal right.

Since 1973, our mission has been unwavering: to ensure fairness and equity in the civil justice system for those who cannot afford representation. With offices in Fredericksburg, Tappahannock, and Culpeper, our dedicated team of attorneys assists around 1,100 people each year, encompassing family law, housing disputes, consumer issues, and more. Despite our robust efforts, a staggering number of eligible clients—two-thirds of them—are turned away due to our resource constraints.

As we look forward, our vision is a society where access to justice is not a privilege but a right available to all. We invite you to join our journey. By volunteering, offering pro bono legal services, or contributing financially, you embrace a pivotal role in reshaping the future of those in need. Your support can illuminate a path to justice for many and will make equity in the legal system a reality for everyone.

Your participation in Give Local Piedmont supports our mission, as we continue to advocate for the American ideal of justice for all. 

Who YOUR gift helps:

“Kim” came to LAW’s Culpeper office seeking assistance because she was being wrongfully sued by her ex, “Carl”.  Kim had been in a rocky relationship with Carl for many years, and he was often abusive, vindictive and tried to seek revenge when he didn’t get his way. Even if that meant breaking the law. 

When Kim ended the relationship, Carl retaliated by attempting to steal her property.  Luckily, he was arrested when a watchful neighbor called the Sheriff’s Department.  To Kim's dismay, he later filed a civil lawsuit claiming the property was his.  This forced her to seek legal counsel, which was something she could not have anticipated given the nature of Carl's original crime.  Frustrated, discouraged and unsure of how she would afford an attorney, Kim was relieved to learn that she qualified for free legal representation with Legal Aid Works®.

A LAW staff attorney worked tirelessly on Kim's case for over a year; initially, getting the case dismissed then successfully advocating for her through the appeals trial.  Her team at LAW stood by Kim's side, partnering with her to fight for (and win back) the property that was legally hers.