Our History
In the mid-1980s, a small group of feminist lawyers joined together to form a program which would empower women by providing them with access to legal education, counseling and affordable representation. In space donated by the former Oakland Women’s Center, they met to lay the groundwork for what would one day become Legal Resources for Women (LRW). LRW, adopted by the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh in 1987, served over 3,000 clients in 2004, making it one of the largest providers of referral services for legal representation in Allegheny County.
LRW Mission
Our mission is to empower women, particularly indigent and low income, by providing low cost legal education and referrals for compassionate, qualified and affordable legal representation.
Legal Resources for Women Programs Include:
General Referral Program
The General Referral Program provides referrals to attorneys who have agreed to provide a 20-minute free consultation to family law clients who do not meet Reduced Fee Program financial eligibility guidelines, and clients who face other legal issues. (We do not provide FREE attorneys.)
Reduced Rate Attorneys
This is available to women who have divorce, custody and/or support matters. These attorneys have agreed to work for a fixed reduced rate (approximately ¼ to ½ the current fee) for women who are financially eligible. Women can also qualify to have certain court costs waived.
Reduced Fee Program
Reduced Fee Program clients receive a waiver of certain court costs and referrals to attorneys who charge significantly reduced legal fees – generally $70.00 an hour. Only low-income women with divorce, custody and support cases in Allegheny County who meet Federal Government Poverty Guidelines qualify.
Referral Law Line Services
If you need legal advice or an attorney to represent you in any legal matter, please call our Referral Law Line at 412-255-1246. Clients will receive an informational packet including a list of attorneys who have volunteered to give free initial consultations to people with general legal questions. (Should the attorney agree to accept a case, he/she will work with the client to decide upon payment.)
Individual Legal Consultation
Women may speak with the Director of LRW, who is a licensed attorney, to ask general legal questions.
Educational Seminars
In 2002, LRW and the YWCA Women’s Counseling Center started “Second Tuesday: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Divorce” Program. This program is based on a national model focusing on the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce. Registration is $25.00. Scholarships are available.
Click here for Second Tuesday registration form.
Volunteers Needed
There are many ways to contribute to Legal Resources for Women. LRW has only two part-time staff members, yet our dedicated volunteers have made it possible for us to serve thousands of clients by providing them with referral services in Allegheny County.
We need volunteers for both daytime and evening hours in the following areas:
Licensed attorneys are needed to become part of our Reduced Rate Family Law Program and/or our Referral Law Line Program. Volunteer attorneys are also needed to speak with women during our Educational Seminars. Non-attorney volunteers are needed to help screen clients for financial eligibility, as well as help return the 20-30 calls we receive each day from women in need of legal help. Training is provided. Internships are available for undergraduate and high school students interested in law and women’s issues. No experience necessary, training is provided.
TO JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM PLEASE CALL 412-255-1246.
Legal Resources for Women is a member of the organization of the Center for Volunteer Legal Resources.
With your support, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will be able to continue our work to empower women and eliminate racism in our community. Your support helps to cover the cost of our essential programs and services that make a difference in the lives of thousands of Pittsburgh area women and their families. Donate now using our secure online contribution form.
Click here to make a donation.
Click here to become a member.
The YWCA will feature renowned women's rights activist Gloria Steinem as our keynote speaker during an upcoming luncheon event at The Omni William Penn Hotel. Click here to register online.
15th Annual YWCA Week Without Violence
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh's 15th annual Week Without Violence focuses attention on practical, sustainable non-violent alternatives through a week-long series of events.