We would like to ask your to consider sponsoring our event. All of the funds raised from this event will be used to help local families in the community gain access to the justice system. You are participating not only in our program but in the future of our community. Your contributions enable us to serve many more members of our community.

To donate please click here or click the picture. If you have any questions regarding donations please contact Maria Machado, Pro Bono Coordinator, at mariam@scbalas.com or call 407-834-1660, ext. 114.

Legal aid clients are now able to come by the office to pick up free holiday legal teddy bears. Please email Maria at mariam@scbalas.com to schedule a pick up time.

Thank you to the Harper Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. for donating the bears to spread holiday cheer and good will among our clients and their children.

The legal teddy bears will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last.

St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of social justice, this is why we are humbled to announce that this year we are the recipients of the award named after him. The St. Martin de Porres Award is presented to an organization that demonstrates “unbound and helpful charity offering hope to those in need.”

We want to say thank you to Attorney Ann Marie Giordano Gilden for nominating us for this award and for recognizing our efforts in assisting the indigent, the intellectually disabled, veterans, victims of domestic abuse, the homeless, etc.

The courts have a new tool to protect financial exploitation of elderly persons and disabled adults. Effective July 2021, an amendment to Chapter 825 creates a civil cause of action for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a “vulnerable person."

To read more about this new amendment to Chapter 825 please click here.

The Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office turned on a new automated kiosk at the Publix supermarket on State Road 434 and Wekiva Springs Road that allows residents to renew their registration and print out a new license plate sticker within a couple of minutes

The kiosk verifies proof of insurance and will not allow registration renewals for residents who have outstanding driver’s license or toll violations.

The staff at Legal Aid is taking Spanish classes to better serve the members of the community. There is the advanced class for those that already speak the language, as we have staff members from Cuba, Ecuador and Venezuela that are proficient in Spanish already and are looking to continue their education within the language. We also have staff members that speak Macedonian and Chinese. We are proud to have such an diverse staff.

We also have the basic class for those staff members that wish to learn Spanish. Professor Marvin Hernandez is in Guatemala and we take class via Google Meet. Marvin is highly educated in legal matters in Guatemala and has an extensive knowledge of legal jargon which he teaches to the staff in both classes. These Spanish classes are just another way the legal aid staff strives to better serve its community.

We want to thank Attorney Robert McIntosh for referring us to Professor Marvin Hernandez as we have found his classes to be a wealth of knowledge we can put to good use for and with our clients.

As the season to give thanks approaches, we would like to express our gratitude to this year's volunteers and donors. 2021 has not been without its unique challenges, which is why we want to truly thank you for everything you have done for the members of this community.

What you do never goes unnoticed as it goes far in providing free legal assistance to the indigent members of Seminole County. Thank you for your dedication to our mission of providing free quality legal services to vulnerable residents of Seminole County to improve their quality of life and enhance their self-sufficiency.

Owning or renting a home is a fundamental part of the American Dream.Searching for a home should not be hindered by discriminatory practices.

The Fair Housing Act, in addition to Florida’s own housing laws, protects against discrimination in the rental, sale, financing, and insuring of housing for individuals in a protected class. Many Fair Housing Act violations are due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the law. The Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society is proud to partner with other organizations to provide education and investigate violations of the Fair Housing Act and Fair Lending practices.

If you or someone you know is experiencing housing discrimination, please contact the HELP line at 1-800-405-1417 for an evaluation.

Our Annual Silent Auction Fundraising Event is coming up and we are looking for items to be donated in kind.

Please contact our Pro Bono Coordinator, Maria Machado, at mmachado@scbalas.com or 407-834-1660 ext. 114 for information on how to donate in kind.

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order No.:21-02-S 3rd Amended Supersedes 21-02-2nd Amended

November 17, 2021 - Sealing & Expungement Workshop