Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC) was established in 2002 as a pilot program in the Oakland City Attorney's Office. The program combines the grassroots, proactive tradition of legal aid with the power of city hall. NLC attorneys work with very troubled, predominantly low-income, minority neighborhoods. The attorneys take direction from residents, prioritize their concerns and use government resources to achieve the neighborhoods' goals. The program emphasizes educating citizens on their rights and how to navigate government bureaucracy.

The Challenge
Some of Oakland's poor and minority neighborhoods suffer blight, toxic pollution and dangerous housing conditions. These housing conditions violate health and safety codes. An absence of legal services forces residents of these neighborhoods to endure inhumane conditions. These residents of Oakland have legal rights which, if understood and applied, improve their neighborhoods and their lives. Oakland's budget provides for only four deputy City Attorneys to handle these kind of problems for a population of 400,000. As a result, the city can only prosecute about 55 blight and code enforcement cases annually.

The Solution
The Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC) helps Oakland fulfill its mission by supporting residents to eliminate unhealthful and unlawful housing conditions. We enforce public safety laws and inform Oakland residents of their rights.

Home | About Us | Join Us | Contact Us