The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) was established by Congress in 1974. The LSC operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and seeks to promote equal access to justice. As Americans are only guaranteed legal assistance for criminal matters under the Sixth Amendment, the LSC was created to financially support legal aid organizations that assist with civil matters. Specifically, the LSC provides grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.
The LSC's grants are awarded to independent local programs through a competitive selection process. In order to ensure program quality and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, the grant-making organization conducts compliance reviews and program visits. Also, the LSC provides training and technical assistance to programs. The organization is the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans.
The LSC is funded through congressional appropriations. It is headed by an 11-member Board of Directors appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. By law, this Board is bipartisan, with no more than six members of the same political party.
[Last updated in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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