Legal Network
Legal Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Laura’s Light serves as a vital bridge connecting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with qualified pro bono legal representation. We focus specifically on individuals who fall into the “justice gap”—those who don’t qualify for Legal Aid but cannot afford private attorney fees during crisis.
Who We Serve
Our Legal Network program is designed for survivors who:
- Need legal representation related to sexual assault or domestic violence
- Have income that exceeds Legal Aid qualification limits
- Cannot afford typical attorney retainer fees or hourly rates
- Are located in the Allegheny County region
Legal Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Laura’s Light serves as a vital bridge connecting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with qualified pro bono legal representation. We focus specifically on individuals who fall into the “justice gap”—those who don’t qualify for Legal Aid but cannot afford private attorney fees during crisis.
Who We Serve
Our Legal Network program is designed for survivors who:
- Need legal representation related to sexual assault or domestic violence
- Have income that exceeds Legal Aid qualification limits
- Cannot afford typical attorney retainer fees or hourly rates
- Are located in the Allegheny County region
The Referral Process
Coming to Laura’s Light Through Partner Organizations (Recommended)
Most individuals connect with Laura’s Light through our network of trusted referral partners, including:
- Rape crisis centers
- Domestic violence organizations
- Sexual assault response teams
- Shelters and housing programs
- Community advocacy groups
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
Why this approach works best: Our partner organizations provide crucial emergency services that address immediate safety, housing, and crisis needs. These partners are skilled at identifying when a survivor’s situation has stabilized enough to benefit from legal representation, making the referral process seamless and timely.
If you’re currently working with a support organization, ask your advocate or case manager about a referral to Laura’s Light’s legal services.
Direct Contact
While most of our clients come through referral partners, we understand that some individuals may reach out directly. If you’re not currently working with a support organization but believe you may qualify for our services, you can:
The Referral Process
Coming to Laura’s Light Through Partner Organizations (Recommended)
Most individuals connect with Laura’s Light through our network of trusted referral partners, including:
- Rape crisis centers
- Domestic violence organizations
- Sexual assault response teams
- Shelters and housing programs
- Community advocacy groups
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
Why this approach works best: Our partner organizations provide crucial emergency services that address immediate safety, housing, and crisis needs. These partners are skilled at identifying when a survivor’s situation has stabilized enough to benefit from legal representation, making the referral process seamless and timely.
If you’re currently working with a support organization, ask your advocate or case manager about a referral to Laura’s Light’s legal services.
Direct Contact
While most of our clients come through referral partners, we understand that some individuals may reach out directly. If you’re not currently working with a support organization but believe you may qualify for our services, you can:
Our Role as a Connector
When a referral is made to Laura’s Light, our focused process includes:
1. Initial Assessment: We review each referral to understand specific legal needs and determine appropriate attorney matching (typically within 3-5 business days)
2. Attorney Matching: We carefully match you with a qualified pro bono attorney from our network whose expertise aligns with your legal needs
3. Facilitated Introduction: We coordinate the initial connection between you and your attorney, ensuring a smooth transition and clear expectations (initial consultation usually occurs within 5 business days of matching)
4. Financial Support: We provide funding for legal fees, court costs, and filing fees so that financial barriers never prevent access to justice
Working Directly with Your Attorney
After the introduction, you’ll work directly with your assigned attorney. This one-to-one relationship ensures:
- Attorney-client privilege is maintained
- Communication is streamlined
- Legal strategy is personalized
- You build a relationship of trust with your representative
Laura’s Light’s Limited Role after Connection
After facilitating the connection, Laura’s Light steps back from direct involvement. Our role becomes strictly limited to:
- Collecting anonymous, basic outcome data to demonstrate program effectiveness
- Tracking general program metrics for our financial supporters
- Ensuring financial resources are available for legal fees and court costs
We function solely as the bridge between survivors and attorneys, not as an ongoing participant in individual cases. All case details remain confidential between you and your attorney.
Our Role as a Connector
When a referral is made to Laura’s Light, our focused process includes:
1. Initial Assessment: We review each referral to understand specific legal needs and determine appropriate attorney matching (typically within 3-5 business days)
2. Attorney Matching: We carefully match you with a qualified pro bono attorney from our network whose expertise aligns with your legal needs
3. Facilitated Introduction: We coordinate the initial connection between you and your attorney, ensuring a smooth transition and clear expectations (initial consultation usually occurs within 5 business days of matching)
4. Financial Support: We provide funding for legal fees, court costs, and filing fees so that financial barriers never prevent access to justice
Working Directly with Your Attorney
After the introduction, you’ll work directly with your assigned attorney. This one-to-one relationship ensures:
- Attorney-client privilege is maintained
- Communication is streamlined
- Legal strategy is personalized
- You build a relationship of trust with your representative
Laura’s Light’s Limited Role after Connection
After facilitating the connection, Laura’s Light steps back from direct involvement. Our role becomes strictly limited to:
- Collecting anonymous, basic outcome data to demonstrate program effectiveness
- Tracking general program metrics for our financial supporters
- Ensuring financial resources are available for legal fees and court costs
We function solely as the bridge between survivors and attorneys, not as an ongoing participant in individual cases. All case details remain confidential between you and your attorney.
Types of Legal Matters We Address
Our network of pro bono attorneys can assist with a wide range of legal needs related to sexual assault and domestic violence, including but not limited to:
- Protection orders
- Custody proceedings
- Divorce filings
- Housing issues
- Title IX proceedings
- Workplace protection
- Financial and asset protection
- Other related legal matters
Each situation is unique, and your attorney will work directly with you to address your specific legal needs
Types of Legal Matters We Address
Our network of pro bono attorneys can assist with a wide range of legal needs related to sexual assault and domestic violence, including but not limited to:
- Protection orders
- Custody proceedings
- Divorce filings
- Housing issues
- Title IX proceedings
- Workplace protection
- Financial and asset protection
- Other related legal matters
Each situation is unique, and your attorney will work directly with you to address your specific legal needs
In Crisis?
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
For 24/7 crisis support:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: 1.866.363.7273
For a complete list of emergency and support resources, please visit our Resources & Partners page.