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Summit Legal Aid (Previously Laurel Legal Services)
Summit Legal
Organizational Information
Vision, Mission and/or Purpose of Organization
Summit Legal Aid is a nonprofit legal aid organization that provides free legal advice and representation to low-income households in a ten-county region, including Indiana County. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that families and individuals facing life-altering legal challenges receive help navigating the justice system.
History of Organization
Founded in 1967, Laurel Legal Services served Westmoreland, Armstrong, Cambria, Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson Counties. In 2023, Laurel Legal Services and Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid merged to become Summit Legal Aid, serving a 10-county region. As Summit Legal Aid, the organization has a Fair Housing Law Center that works to prevent housing discrimination in a 36-county region in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Summit Legal Aid also has a state and federal Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) to assist taxpayers in a 24-county region who are facing tax issues.
Affiliations
Summit Legal Aid is a member of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Attorneys are members of the local bar association
Legal Structure
Non-profit corporation
Funding Sources
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Pennsylvania Department of Revenue The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Community grants Individual donations
Contact Information
Key Leader(s)
Contact Person(s)
Contact Number(s)
1-800-846-0871 - Toll Free for service
Primary Address
Additional Addresses
Service Information
Service Area
Indiana County Also Serving: Armstrong, Cambria, Clarion, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. For the Fair Housing Law Center's Service Area, visit www.fhlaw.org For the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic'
Service Description
Protection From Abuse (no income guidelines)
Emergency child custody cases
Utility shut-off
Loss of income (denial or discontinuation of Social Security, Welfare, or Unemployment Compensation)
Eviction, Mortgage Foreclosure, HUD housing & Section 8
DPW, Welfare and related issues
Divorce (if there are no assets)
Driver's License Restoration
Criminal Record Removal
Housing Discrimination
State and Federal Tax Issues
Keywords
Legal Advice, PFA, Eviction, Foreclosure, Section 8, Debt, Custody, Utility, Welfare, Legal Help, License, Employment
Available Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed from noon to 1:00 pm for lunch.
Fees/Cost for Services
No fees
Eligibility Requirements
Depending on the type of case, household income must be at or below 125% or 187.5% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size, or be a current recipient of SSI or welfare. Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) cases have an income level of 250% of the federal poverty level. Protection From Abuse and Housing Discrimination cases are accepted without regard to income.
Required Documentation
Before you call or visit Summit Legal Aid, please collect materials relating to your case, including letters, notices, and any recent bills you may have.
How to Access Services or Schedule Appointments
Local Number: (814) 226-4340 Toll-free number: 1-800-846-0871 24/7 Online Intake: www.summitlegal.org/get-legal-help
Miscellaneous Information
Handicap Accessibility
Please call to confirm availability
Languages Spoken or Available
Free language interpretation is available through Global Wordsmiths. All languages, including American Sign Language, are available.
Speaker Available
Yes
Volunteer Use
Yes
Volunteer Need
Yes
Volunteer Description
Our organization relies on volunteers with a wide range of talents who share our commitment to supporting individuals and families in need. Whether you have experience in newsletter article writing, fundraising, community outreach, or event planning, your skills can make a meaningful impact. Volunteers help us tell our clients’ stories, raise critical funds, strengthen community partnerships, and spread awareness about the free legal help available in our region. If you’re passionate about justice and want to use your time and skills for good, we’d love to hear from you.