Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia

Who We Are

The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia is dedicated to advancing the Constitutional promise of equal citizenship to all persons irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender or poverty. We use public education, continuing education of our clients and client organizations, research, negotiation and, when necessary, the courts to achieve systemic reforms that advance the central goals of self-advocacy, social justice and equal protection of the law for all members of society.

Projects:

Special Projects are in operation in the following areas:

Education: The Law Center offers pro bono consultation services for low income families of children with disabilities.  We review records and other information about the child and provide advice to families during in-person meetings with a follow up opinion letter. The Law Center represents low-income families of children with disabilities seeking to enforce their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  We represent families in administrative due process hearings, as well as in appeals to state and federal court. The Law Center also provides a series of trainings to parents of children with disabilities.

Employment: The Law Center focuses on overcoming barriers to employment for people with disabilities and people with prior criminal convictions by providing free legal advice and consultation on employment matters to low-income* persons with disabilities and representation in appropriate cases.

Healthcare Access: The Law Center uses high-impact legal strategies, including advocacy, convening activities, technical legal assistance, partnerships, and lawsuits to encourage and ultimately compel governmental officials to provide coverage with appropriate reimbursement for and access to care as mandated by federal law.

Public Health & Environmental Justice: The Law Center works to promote the interests of community gardeners and urban farmers in marginalized Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Housing & Community Services: The Law Center has long focused on ending housing discrimination, including race, disability and gender discrimination, as a key element in the fight against structural inequality.

Voting Rights: The Law Center uses legal strategies that enhance the integrity of elections by protecting every citizen’s right to vote, promoting a more engaged and informed electorate, and ensuring that every vote is counted as cast.

Who We Serve

Area(s): Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County

Is this organization accessible by wheelchair?: Yes

Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired?: No

Type of Help

This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources:

• Full Legal Representation
• Brief Advice

How to Get Help

You can contact this organization by: