About Us

            Equal access to justice must be a core value of our society.  The complex and sometimes intimidating nature of our legal system limits its equal access, especially for elderly persons who frequently do not have the financial resources to pursue their legal rights.  We at Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, a private non-profit organization, daily strive to provide the means by which equal access to justice for our elderly can be achieved.

            Since its founding in 1976 by a small group of concerned private attorneys and paralegals, SLS has assisted senior clients with more than 26,000 legal matters.   There is no other agency in Contra Costa County that specializes in providing free legal services exclusively to the elderly.

            During an average year, SLS serves over 1200 seniors with direct legal services and reaches an additional 800 with various outreach and educational programs.  SLS does this with a small paid staff and the help of volunteer attorneys.  Together, we provide individual client representation, legal counsel and advice, legal planning, community education and outreach, as well as support services to other community service organizations in Contra Costa County.

Our Mission            

            Our mission is to provide free, civil legal services to residents of Contra Costa County (California) who are sixty years of age or older, with an emphasis on seniors who are in the greatest social and economic need.  The highest priority is placed on matters that affect basic needs, such as preventing the loss of housing and preserving financial, physical and individual rights. 

Support Us

            SLS's work on behalf of the senior community could not be sustained without the support of Contra Costa County businesses, individuals and public entities.  If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, please send it to SLS, c/o Executive Director, 4006 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA 94805.

Board of Directors

Officers of the Board

        Michael B. Peterson, President

        Matthew S. Toth, Vice-President

        Trudi S. Riley-Quinn, Secretary/Treasurer 

Members of the Board

        Iris Archuleta

        Maryam Adler

        Barbara Chase

        Virginia M. George

        Mary Lou Laubscher

        Geoffrey L. Robinson

Staff

        Walter M. Bank, Executive Director

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