JALA attorneys and advocates handle cases involving community development issues, consumer issues, education issues, family law issues, elder law issues, employment and unemployment issues, fair housing issues, housing issues, health issues, public benefits issues, mental health issues, and immigration issues. JALA also provides a variety of legal services for those persons having HIV or AIDS.
2. How do I apply for JALA services?
Applications for assistance are accepted at all 3 JALA locations.
Please click here to see our intake times and locations.
3. How does JALA determine if I am eligible for services?
Many of JALA's programs and services are offered only to those that meet our financial elgibility guidelines. Generally, JALA will consider representation of clients that are within 125% to 187.5% of the poverty line. Clients that are below the 125% of the poverty line will also be considered for representation. Clients are financially qualified for our services during their confidential intake interviews. Income is calculated based upon the gross income household earnings of the applicant, and the number of persons in the household. Non-exempt assets may also be considered in qualifying applicants for our services.
There are however many of our program units that are not income sensitive. The units that are not income sensitive are the fair housing unit, Ryan White unit (HIV/AIDS), Immigration unit, and our Title III unit that helps our elderly citizens that are age 60 and older.
4. Is there any charge for the services I receive at JALA?
There is no charge for the legal services rendered here at JALA. However, you may be asked to pay other costs associated with litigation such as filing fees, deposition fees, transcript fees, or other court costs.
If you are over-income, you may call the Lawyer Referral Service at (904) 399-5780. There you will be directed to a local attorney who handles the type of problem you have. For $50 you will receive a thirty minute consultation from that attorney about your legal issue.
Also, JALA is fortunate to have many volunteer pro bono attorneys who take cases we are unable for some reason to handle. In many situations your case may be referred to one of those private pro bono volunteers.
In addition, although JALA handles many family law cases, there are instances when due to a lack of resources JALA is unable to help with a divorce, paternity or child custody case. In those instances you may call Family Court Services at the Duval County Courthouse at (904) 630-7682 for assistance and guidance in how to handle the case yourself.
7. How is JALA funded?
JALA’s funding is provided through a combination of grant awards from the Federal government, the State of Florida, several area counties and the City of Jacksonville, as well as through generous donations from a number of charitable foundations/organizations and private individuals. Funders include, but are not limited to:
THE FLORIDA BAR FOUNDATION
THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
NORTHEAST FLORIDA AREA AGENCY ON AGING Under the Older Americans Act and the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
STATE OF FLORIDA
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES Office of Refugee Services
