Legal Aid Services: What They Are and How to Access Them

What Is Legal Aid?

Legal aid refers to free or low-cost legal assistance provided to individuals who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Unlike criminal legal defense, which is funded by the government, legal aid primarily covers civil legal matters—such as housing disputes, family law, consumer protection, and elder law. Research shows that every $1 invested in civil legal aid returns nearly $7 in societal benefits, reducing homelessness, improving health outcomes, stabilizing families, and easing burdens on government services.

Why Legal Aid Matters

Millions of Americans—especially those who are low-income, elderly, veterans, or working full-time yet still struggling—often have limited access to civil legal services. Without proper support, they face risks like eviction, loss of benefits, foreclosure, or unfair treatment in consumer disputes. Legal aid organizations help level the playing field by guiding individuals through legal processes and defending their rights.

UWSSC Joins the Legal Aid Network

On March 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of Florida officially recognized the United Way of South Sarasota County (UWSSC) as a Legal Aid Organization under Florida Bar rules. This designation enables the organization to recruit law student interns, newly graduated lawyers, and emeritus attorneys to provide civil legal services at no cost to those who qualify.

The UWSSC legal team provided free legal aid to over three thousand individuals; the focus is on Sarasota County’s elderly and ALICE populations (Asset‐Limited, Income‐Constrained, yet Employed)—people who often fall through the cracks despite working or saving.

What Services Are Offered?

Florida Law Help notes UWSSC handles a broad range of civil legal issues, including:

Eviction mitigation and defense
Elder law, such as wills, estates, and Medicaid planning
Foreclosure prevention
Consumer law and debt settlement
Housing advocacy for both tenants and homeowners

The organization also runs emergency aid programs, such as SHIELD (Supporting Housing Initiative: Eviction, Lifeline, Diversion) in partnership with SCSO (Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office), which connects tenants and landlords when eviction is imminent. Cases are triaged through partnerships with local agencies, ensuring rapid and targeted support.

The UWSSC Legal Services Team

UWSSC’s legal unit is led by:

Robin L. Stover, Esq., Director of Legal Services—a seasoned civil litigator and nonprofit advocate.
David Miller, Legal Services Case Manager
Michael Fuchs, Emeritus Attorney
Evelyn Moya, Volunteer Attorney
Katsui “KC” Suzuki, Volunteer Attorney

This team, supported by law students and volunteers, provides free advice, representation, document preparation, and advocacy for qualified individuals.

How Residents Can Access Legal Aid via UWSSC

Visit the UWSSC website – Find information here: https://uwssc.org/uwssc-has-been-approved-as-a-legal-aid-organization.
Call or email – The main office can be reached at 9414844811 ext. 102 or email David Miller at dmiller@uwssc.org.
Complete an intake – Answer qualifying questions covering income, age, and legal issues (eviction, debt, benefits, elder matters).
Be screened – The in-house team reviews eligibility (primarily targeting low-income, elderly, ALICE, and veterans).
Receive services – Depending on the case, you may be offered legal advice, document drafting (leases, wills), representation, or referral to other agencies.
Emergency intervention – If facing eviction, the SHIELD rapid-response program can connect you quickly with an attorney and a case manager.