The Berkshire Center for Justice (BCJ) is one of 23 known sliding scale nonprofit legal organizations in the country and the only one in that esteemed group with the perspective to offer a resourceful environment for those facing social and community challenges. BCJ’s is Berkshire County’s resource for weekly free legal clinics and we do so in collaboration with the Guthrie Center‘s Free Lunch Program.
The Justice for Seniors Program has been funded in part with an Elder Services grant and BCJ will be addressing the legal needs of elders age 60 and above with verified low income status. Medicaid Planning, construction of end of life documents; consumer protection abuses, elder fraud; consumer disputes including debt and credit card charges; and other legal issues can be addressed.
BCJ is specifically targeting 13 South Berkshire towns because transportation limitations can make it difficult for seniors to access services in Pittsfield. However, clients will be accepted from the whole county on a first come first serve basis.
BCJ will offer two free legal clinics in South County in addition to its weekly free legal clinic at The Guthrie Center; a legal clinic on February 4, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield, and one legal clinic in Adams. Intakes are free of charge and direct legal services will be charged at the much reduced rate of $50.00 per hour.
We welcome clients of all races; ethnic identifications; disabilities; and sexual orientation. Telephone intakes can be arranged for shut-ins. Call 413-854-1955.