“Often, a few hours of free assistance from a competent lawyer relieves the weight of the world on our clients` shoulders,” says Robin Stover, Esq., Deputy Director of GLS and resident of Venice. “Our lawyers have experience in housing, financial stability, family law and immigration. We find answers, provide legal assistance and protect the rights of our most vulnerable residents, so that no one has to face their legal challenges alone. GLS only arranges personal appointments if absolutely necessary. Customers must complete the online legal application below. If you have any questions or accessibility issues, please call our offices to review the application by phone. You are entitled to reasonable accommodation. You can request legal services online 24 hours a day. A staff member will contact you to let you know if your application has been accepted or not. Emergencies (domestic violence and urgent housing issues) are prioritized and contacted first. All forms MUST be completed. Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS) is committed to the principle of equal access to services for all clients.
GLS strives to provide its customers with an environment free from discrimination and harassment. All client decisions are based on applicants` eligibility for program services, usually based on income or victim status. These decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion or belief; national, social or ethnic origin; sex (including pregnancy); veterans or military service status; physical, mental or sensory disability; HIV status; sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression; marital status, civil partnership or civil partnership; or any other legally protected status. GLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics. Gulfcoast Legal Services treats all clients with respect and dignity. Our employees are sensitive to the individual circumstances and needs of our customers. Sarasota, FL – United Way of South Sarasota County (UWSSC) has received funding from the Selby Foundation to open a new coworking office in southern Sarasota County. The office building is located in Venice and is shared by UWSSC and Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS), who serve similar client groups and have worked together in the past. Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. (GLS) is a 501(c)3 regional nonprofit organization that provides free and comprehensive civil legal assistance through counseling, counseling, advocacy, advocacy, and education to vulnerable individuals and families in the greater Tampa Bay area.
GLS is dedicated to vulnerable people living in poverty, low-income workers, people with disabilities, veterans, homeless people, victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, the LGBTQ+ community, and seniors who otherwise would not have access to a lawyer. For more information, see: gulfcoastlegal.org. “The devastating economic impact of the pandemic will continue for many years to come,” said President Teri A Hansen| CEO of the Barancik Foundation. “Our board was looking for an opportunity to provide equal access to legal aid and justice for our most vulnerable families. We hope the community will join us in supporting this cause. The idea for an office in Sarasota came after a year of increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Gulfcoast Legal Services received five times the normal number of requests for assistance, according to the agency. Sarasota, FL – The pandemic has created a series of economic challenges that have led to an impending wave of legal problems upstream as families prepare for eviction and bankruptcy. Local humanitarian organizations are bracing for increased demand as state and federal protections expire. Your request for legal assistance will be reviewed by one of our lawyers. Once the decision has been made, we will contact you as soon as possible. This notification will be sent to the contact details provided on the application. Completing an application does not mean that we have agreed to provide you with legal assistance.
You will not become a customer unless we tell you that we accept your case. GLS would especially like to thank all donors involved as well as its project partner, United Way of South Sarasota County. For more information or to see if you qualify for the services, visit the GLS website at www.gulfcoastlegal.org. Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS) recently considered expanding its services to Sarasota County to meet the increased demand for free civil legal assistance.