Step Up to Justice

Quality free civil legal services for the community through partnership and innovation. Step Up to Justice is a full-service free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County, powered by the talents of volunteer attorneys and the efficient use of technology and funding. A public service by private citizens, Step Up to Justice continually asks: "How can we direct quality free civil legal services to the most people in need at the lowest cost?"

Over 200,000 people live in poverty in Pima County.  140,000 of them will have a civil legal need this year, facing barriers to basic human rights that are difficult if not impossible to resolve without a qualified attorney's services.

In its first three years of operation, SU2J has delivered over $4 million worth of free legal assistance in family law, domestic violence, consumer protection, bankruptcy, minor guardianship, wills and probate, housing, and employment discrimination. With these legal services, Pima County residents living at or near poverty have achieved justice in ways that are as varied as SU2J's caseload: achieving stable housing or employment; eliminating the threats of predatory lenders; resolving family law disputes; recouping unpaid child support; securing protective orders; or defending unfair business or employment practices

SU2J is committed to providing competent, respectful, and efficient service for all clients, volunteers, and stakeholders. Since March 2017, SU2J has provided free pro bono civil legal services to over 3,600 low-income clients, in over 1,200 clinics, attracted over 200 volunteer attorneys, and delivered over $4 million in free legal services, single-handedly increasing access to justice by 25% in Pima County.