The CED unit provides free legal representation to low-income individuals and eligible groups concerning nonprofit organization, development of housing or business, and other transactions.

If you need to speak with someone, call the CED intake line at (213) 640-3954 or contact us.

To be eligible for free CED services, a group must:

• Be made up mostly of eligible low-income people and not able to afford to pay a private attorney or
• Have a primary mission as stated in its articles and bylaws to serve low-income people.

In order for a group to receive free services, it must work within our areas of priority and demonstrate a certain level of capacity to succeed.

We also serve eligible individuals who need driving privileges restored or other legal barriers to employment removed.

The CED unit also provides low cost representation of groups and individuals who are not eligible for free services on a sliding scale fee based on their income.

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CED priorities include:

• Creating and improving access to self-sufficiency wage jobs
• Developing and preserving affordable housing
• Developing child care facilities and youth centers
• Improving the transportation system and creating transportation alternatives
• Working with groups of residents who want to get involved with development projects in their neighborhoods
• Overcoming barriers to employment
• Helping low-income people access support services

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Our activities include:

• Organizational capacity development (board recruitment and retention, board rights and responsibilities, conducting effective meetings, dispute resolution, strategic planning, and other matters related to organizational development)
• Incorporation
• State and Federal tax exemption
• Maintaining nonprofit status issues
• Affordable housing development (rental and homeownership opportunities)
• Nonprofit business development
• Facilitating community involvement in redevelopment and other development projects affecting low-income residents
• Job creation strategies
• Development of community facilities such as childcare, youth centers, and charter schools
• Commercial development
• Mixed use development
• Fundraising
• Other issues affecting community based organizations serving the low-income population of the greater Los Angeles area

For information about our Workshop Series including topics, dates, times, and locations, and other CED events, please search the LAFLA Calendar.