DLC provides legal services to people and groups who have issues that match DLC’s Focus Areas. We provide information, referral, technical assistance and representation about legal rights and services for people with disabilities. Our experienced lawyers and advocates conduct trainings for community groups and other advocacy organizations.
We seek to strike a balance between systemic advocacy and individual representation in order to maximize our impact.
Who We Serve
People with disabilities. DLC provides legal services to people with disabilities in Massachusetts.
People with disability-related problems. DLC serves individuals who have experienced abuse or neglect, discrimination, or denial of services because of their disability. DLC does not handle general legal problems such as obtaining a divorce, filing for bankruptcy or trust & estate issues.
People with disabilities whose legal problem matches DLC’s Focus Areas. Demand for DLC’s services far exceeds our resources. DLC adopts annual Focus Areas based on extensive input from people with disabilities.
DLC’s Intake Team accepts new requests for help from 9am – 1pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Please know that even if we cannot take your case, it is important that DLC (as the Protection and Advocacy agency) is aware of the problems people with disabilities are facing throughout the Commonwealth.
There are certain types of cases we cannot take because of the requirements of our funders. These are:
- Applications or appeals for Social Security or disability benefits (such as SSI or SSDI)
- Bankruptcy
- Consumer protection or product liability cases
- Criminal, probation or parole
- Family Law (divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters)
- Guardianship
- Malpractice
- Pension, ERISA issues
- Personal injury
- Property disputes
- Short term and/or long term disability insurance
- Tax issues
- Wills, trusts, and estate planning
- Workers’ compensation issues
Additionally, DLC does not handle eviction or employment termination cases.
What Happens When You Contact DLC?
- DLC’s Intake Team accepts voicemail requests for help from 9am – 1pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. While we do our best, we may not be able to respond to requests for help outside of these hours. You may also complete an online request form. If you need help with the form, you may leave a message at 617-723-8455.
- If we might be able to help you, an Intake Specialist will contact you to ask more questions about your issue. DLC may request certain documents to review as we consider whether we can handle your issue.
- If DLC can help, staff will be assigned to your case. If we cannot help you, we may provide you with referrals to organizations or private attorneys who may be able to help you. We may also provide self-help materials related to your issue.