Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

10/09/2026

Join CLS and Support Center for Child Advocates for “Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: Communications Strategies to Support Ethical Practice,” at the Philadelphia Family Court building on November 17 and December 3.

At this session, you will learn about Motivational Interviewing principles, strengthen trauma-informed communication skills, and leave with concrete techniques that you can use right away.

This is a two-session training. You must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 to receive full credit.

CLE Credit: 6.0 CLE (3.0 ethics/3.0 substantive)
CEU Credit: 6.0 ethics credits

Cost:
$99 for CLE credit (this covers both part 1 and part 2)
Reduced $50 rate for CLE for nonprofit, public interest, or government attorneys
Free for CEU credit and general registration

Learn more about the session and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-motivational-interviewing-strategies-to-support-ethical-practice-tickets-2002566823276?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/08/2026

CLS will be closed on Monday, October 12th, in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, October 13th.

10/08/2026

Join us this Saturday for a Criminal Record Clearing Clinic at Wingohocking Neighbors Day, hosted by Council Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks, alongside the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Uplift Solutions, and Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

You will be able to speak with legal services and learn about your options to begin removing past criminal charges from your PA record.

Saturday, October 10, 11am-2pm at New Light Ministries, 1631 Cayuga St.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DYv0q-YLS8I36bOuGfkQXFAE698KVM6kAa2j0tgVRbU/viewform?edit_requested=true

10/01/2026

The deadline is approaching! You have until October 5 to appeal your property tax assessment.

Did your home value go up? Here’s how to make your property tax bill more affordable.

If you think your home’s assessment is not accurate, you should appeal right away.

You can do that by requesting a “First Level Review” with the Office of Property Assessment by September 1, 2026 and by filing an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes by October 5, 2026.

Think your home’s assessment is accurate, but can’t afford your tax bill? Most Philadelphia homeowners, even those who have tangled titles and are not yet on their deeds, qualify for at least one tax relief program. Apply now!

To learn more about how to file an appeal and apply for tax relief, visit clsphila.org/propertytaxes. To get legal help with property taxes or tangled titles, call CLS at 215-981-3700 or the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-223-HOME.

09/30/2026

09/30/2026

Join CLS’s Justice Rising Advocates for networking with purpose at our annual Fall Refresh! Thursday, October 15, 5-7pm at Ballard Spahr LLP. We will also be celebrating 10 years of JRA!

RSVP at JRARefresh.eventbrite.com

The Fall Refresh with CLS's Justice Rising Advocates (JRA) is an annual opportunity to gather with others in Philadelphia's exceptional legal community who share a commitment to using civil legal services to fight poverty and achieve equal access to justice for low-income people in Philadelphia and beyond.

Suggested $25 donation. Thanks to our generous hosts at Ballard Spahr, 100% of your donation will protect access to justice for our low-income neighbors.

09/29/2026

Housing walk-in intake will be closed Fridays. For landlord-tenant issues call the Philly Tenant Hotline: 267-443-2500.

Housing walk-in intake hours are:

Center City Office, 1424 Chestnut St: Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm
North Philadelphia Office, 1410 W. Erie Ave: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-12pm

09/29/2026

We are so proud that Employment Paralegal Neshea Jackson was invited to attend the Lived Experience Leadership Summit earlier this month. About her experience, Neshea said: “There is something incredibly powerful about bringing together people whose voices, stories, and experiences have the ability to shape meaningful change. Being invited into this space is both an honor and a reminder of why lived experience matters — not only as a story to be heard, but as a source of knowledge, leadership, advocacy, and transformation.”

09/24/2026

Yamilex Ortiz, one of our former paralegals in the Homeownership & Consumer Rights Unit, is pursuing a law degree at Rutgers University. We’re so excited for her and to see what she does in her career! https://law.rutgers.edu/news/meet-RLaw-first-years

09/21/2026

Happening tomorrow! If you’re having trouble with your utility bills, come to our next Utility Clinic on September 22, 1-3pm at CHOP Karabots, 4865 Market St., 2nd fl.

You will have the opportunity to:
• Discuss your gas, electric, and water bills with a legal expert free of charge
• Meet with utility company representatives
• Learn about programs that can help

Please bring recent utility bills and proof of income for all household members.

We see people on a first come, first served basis!

Questions? Contact Bascomb Turner, paralegal: 215-227-4793 or [email protected]