Mission Statement

Founded in 1951, SALA provides free civil legal aid in Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties and for 11 Native American tribes. While family law matters – protective orders, emergency child custody and support – comprise the largest number of cases serving victims, they also receive assistance with all facets of civil legal issues – housing (landlord/tenant, homeownership), immigration, bankruptcy, collections, repossessions, garnishments, employee rights, access to government benefits such as SNAP, TANF, and disability benefits. The power of the law is used to help Arizona’s most vulnerable residents. Hampered by poverty (Tucson’s median wage is $32,500, excluding benefits), costly private attorney fees, and limited resources for free legal aid, victims are caught in a tremendous justice gap. They don’t understand the legal landscape, don’t know how to access legal aid services, and there aren’t enough services available to meet the need. Unable to afford private attorney fees of $279 an hour (Pima County median), victims believe they must forego help.