Central California Legal Services, Inc. (CCLS) provides free legal advice and representation in civil matters to eligible low-income individuals throughout its six-county service area. Incorporated as "Fresno County Legal Services, Inc.," in 1966, the program was created by a group of dedicated individuals who spearheaded the foundation of the agency. CCLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt organization.

In 1980, Fresno County Legal Services merged with Merced County Legal Services and expanded services to Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties creating CCLS. In 1997 Tulare/Kings County Legal Services merged with CCLS. Our mission is "To Advance Justice and Empower People."

CCLS is proud of its delivery of civil legal services to low-income individuals in the following service areas: domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, tenants' rights, healthcare access, education/youth law, consumer law, rights and access to public benefits, community economic development, employee rights and taxpayer assistance. The program serves eligible individuals in the counties of Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa and senior citizens in Madera County. Services are delivered through fully staffed offices located in the cities of Fresno, Merced and Visalia.

CCLS employs attorneys, paralegals and support staff with significant program support from pro bono attorneys, law students, interns and other volunteers. Last year, CCLS closed cases on a total of 5,983 cases. Hispanics/Latinos represent the largest ethnic group at 44%; Anglos 30%; African-Americans 15%; Asian/Pacific Islanders 3%; Native Americans at 1% and Other at 7%. CCLS employs an ethnically diverse staff with the capacity to communicate in multiple client languages including Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, Russian and Spanish. CCLS uses a number of tools for clients to overcome barriers to service, including a toll-free number, a TTY line and outreach clinics.

Today, CCLS employs 56 professionals who provide residents access to high-quality and effective free, civil legal services to more than 6,000 individuals per year. Clients may access legal services at our offices, at legal clinics and through outreach and community education workshops that inform the client community of their rights and the legal services available.