If you're facing legal challenges by individuals or organizations, we’re here to help. We've stood by countless people just like you, defending their rights in court.
We believe that every person, regardless of financial ability, should have fair representation in court. The outcome of any case should not be determined by the ability to afford an attorney.
It should not be hard, stressful or costly for:
We have attorneys and paralegals in each of our four offices, and the cumulative experience of our attorneys is well over 200 years. All of our staff are dedicated to getting the best results for your situation. Our roster of attorneys includes specialists in Protection from Abuse (PFA), Housing and Economic legal services.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid offers legal advice and representation to help people who are:
Here's some of our work from just the 2019/2020 fiscal year alone:
As you can see, we have extensive experience helping people just like you, likely in your exact situation. You aren’t alone and don’t have to face these challenging circumstances by yourself. We can have your back.
Our Partners
OUR PEOPLE
Clay Nestler
Clay Nestler is the Deputy Director at Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid (SPLA). Clay graduated with a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976, and with a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1979, after which he joined SPLA and served many years as a Managing Attorney. He is a past President of the Washington County Bar Association and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a recipient of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network’s Excellence Award and of the 40 Years of Service Award of the Washington County Bar Association.
Brian Gorman
Brian Gorman has been the Director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid (SPLA) since 2015. Prior to that, Brian served was an SPLA staff attorney for two years and a public defender for a total of 12 years, along with a private practice primarily in family and criminal law. He has served on Washington County’s Treatment Court team and on the boards of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Community Justice Project, Washington County Bar Foundation, Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, and Harmony Life Center. Brian is a 1996 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and a 1999 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Adam J. Belletti
Adam J. Belletti, Esquire is the President of our Board of Directors and a partner at Pollock Morris Belletti & Simms, LLC in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, where Adam has practiced since 2009. Adam is a 2005 graduate Villanova University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He maintains a diverse practice handling issues in the fields of civil litigation, real estate, oil and gas, estates and wills, municipal law, family law and criminal law.
WE CAN HELP
Depending on the issue, we can give you advice, represent you in court or help you fill out complicated legal paperwork. And if you qualify, our services will be free to you.
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SUPPORT OUR WORK
We rely on the charitable contributions of donors to fund the work we do. Every dollar goes toward working for those who don’t have the resources to protect themselves. Click below to give today.