We believe our entire community is stronger when everyone has a home, economic security, and essential public services. We use the law to make the social safety net work for everyone. Our work makes San Mateo County a more just and equitable place to live. We represent clients as they navigate complex legal systems, empower people to advocate for themselves, and fix broken systems through policy change.
Despite the wealth and prosperity associated with Silicon Valley, San Mateo County is home to over 40,000 people living in poverty. With one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation, our clients struggle just to keep their place here in our community. Many turn to safety-net systems, only to be met with delays, denials, and impenetrable bureaucracy.
We use the law to ensure that safety-net systems meant to help struggling families are working and accessible. We provide free legal help and representation to low-income, senior, and disabled residents of San Mateo County and we advocate for policy changes to fix broken systems. Our advocacy has changed the way local housing courts treat eviction lawsuits, pushed early intervention service providers to follow mandated timelines, and amplified the voices of low-income immigrants facing public benefit rule changes.
Legal Aid SMC’s housing rights team prevents homelessness by defending tenants from eviction. The LIBRE (Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources, and Education) team helps immigrants access public benefits and immigration relief that can stabilize their living situations or allow them to work. The Health Consumer Center helps low-income San Mateo residents navigate the maze of today’s healthcare system with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare and health insurance coverage in our community. The Peninsula Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is a medical-legal partnership that ensures that children with disabilities received the educational support and specialized therapies they need to thrive. The elder rights team helps older adults and adults with disabilities access Social Security benefits and protect themselves from abuse. Our pro bono team helps survivors of domestic violence and families who seek stability through guardianships and conservatorships.
Our ideal candidate supports our social justice mission to make the social safety net work for everyone in San Mateo County. No specific degrees or skills are necessary, and candidates do not need to be lawyers, as we seek people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and viewpoints to deepen our engagement with our local community. We also seek people who can help with our three most important tasks: fundraising; governance; and financial oversight. We welcome applicants who would be comfortable succeeding our treasurer or audit committee chair. Applicants should have the energy and sufficient time for board work (approximately five hours per month) and be willing to serve in leadership positions such as committee chair or officer.
Legal Aid SMC is a widely recognized legal services organization that has served San Mateo County low-income residents for over 65 years. We are highly regarded in the community, especially by other nonprofits and governmental agencies with whom we often partner. Our collegial board members collaborate with our talented, diverse staff dedicated to public interest law. Discussions at board meetings are respectful and everyone is encouraged to speak and be heard. In one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation, board and staff are united in our mission to help over 40,000 low-income clients, including people facing evictions, seniors, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and children with special educational needs. Serving on Legal Aid’s board significantly contributes to making the social safety net work for everyone, and is personally rewarding.
