Founded in 1971, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society's mission is, and has always been, the zealous legal representation without charge to low income or elderly clients in civil cases and to help the low income and elderly client community through preventive community legal education. CVLAS is a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization.

Low income or elderly individuals needing assistance in these civil matters are provided advice and/or representation by staff attorneys as well as by volunteer private attorneys.  CVLAS has offices located in the cities of Charlottesville, Petersburg and Richmond, serving 5 cities and 15 counties.

Legal services are free to all clients who qualify.   Qualification for CVLAS' services are based on several different factors.  Two of the most essential are residence within our service area (or a case within the court system in our service area) and income & resource eligibility.