History
Six decades and six years of LASSB's impactful journey
Our Story
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." -
Founded in 1958 by a group of forward-thinking attorneys, the Legal Aid Society embarked on a mission to dismantle the barriers to justice faced by individuals unable to afford legal representation. These early pioneers recognized the deep flaws within a legal system that often silenced the most vulnerable in society. Driven by a core belief in fairness and equity, they committed themselves to providing essential legal services to those in danger of exploitation, ensuring their rights were protected against abuse, consumer disputes, and various forms of fraud.
Over the decades, the Legal Aid Society has evolved into an indispensable resource for underserved communities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our organization is strengthened by a governance board that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve, including both emerging talents and individuals with extensive nonprofit leadership experience. This diverse leadership ensures that we remain focused on our mission, guiding our strategic decisions, financial stewardship, and overall effectiveness.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to supporting low-income families, aging individuals, and other vulnerable groups, providing them with the legal tools they need to navigate their challenges. By advocating for their rights and working to secure their incomes and housing stability, we strive to empower individuals and build stronger, more just communities.
As we look to the future, the Legal Aid Society is more committed than ever to our founding principles of justice and equality. We believe that by continuing to expand our services and outreach, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.
1958:
A group of dedicated attorneys recognizes the absence of legal support for individuals facing malicious acts, leading to the formation of Legal Aid. Their vision is to correct the injustice experienced by those who cannot afford legal representation.
1958-Present:
Recent Years:
Evolution:
Board Governance:
Legal Aid’s governance structure includes a Board of attorneys with a diverse range of nonprofit management experience, spanning from one to three decades. This dynamic blend of seasoned wisdom and fresh perspectives guides the organization’s strategic planning, budget oversight, fiscal management, program and policy review, and program supervision.
Through the decades, Legal Aid remains unwavering in its commitment to championing justice for all, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to legal representation and support to lead peaceful and healthy lives.
Today
We are continually evolving, harnessing the power of technology to extend our impact to reach the most underserved rural communities. Our approach is built upon using technology as a bridge to close the justice gap. Despite our resource constraints, technology enables us to amplify our reach, ensuring our dedicated staff aren’t stretched too thin. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment and a culture of acceptance, where everyone is welcomed.
Our passionate team collaborates closely with our clients, working hand-in-hand to pave the path to their success. Our unwavering attorneys provide invaluable legal guidance and steadfast representation, standing shoulder to shoulder with our clients to secure their triumph. Our clinics offer personalized one-on-one services, alongside state-of-the-art kiosks designed for success.
With the synergy of technology and our dedicated staff, we are committed to expanding our services even further. Our mission remains clear: to deliver high-quality legal services to the most vulnerable, ensuring their success and empowerment.