Lancaster Law Foundation

Invest in Justice. Build a Legacy for Lancaster County.

The Lancaster Law Foundation is the charitable arm of the Lancaster Bar Association, established in 2002 to promote equal access to justice through philanthropy, education, and community-focused service. We are committed to improving lives across Lancaster County by supporting justice-related projects, providing civic education, and advancing community awareness about the importance of the legal system in everyday life.

What We Do

The Foundation supports a wide range of initiatives that address legal needs and foster public understanding of the justice system. Our work includes:

• Community Grants Program – Each year, we award funding to local nonprofit organizations that provide legal services or justice-related education. Through these grants, we support innovative programming and help bridge gaps in legal access.
• Pro Bono Legal Service Projects – The Foundation facilitates access to pro bono legal services through grant recipients and special initiatives that connect attorneys with community needs. Examples include our Wills for Heroes program, which provides free estate planning documents to first responders and veterans; name change clinics that support individuals in legally changing their names; and expungement clinics that assist eligible individuals in clearing their criminal records and moving forward with a clean slate.
• Comfort Rooms at the Lancaster County Courthouse – We created and maintain safe, calming spaces for children and vulnerable individuals who must be at the courthouse, offering a place of refuge during what can be a traumatic experience.
• Law Day Poster Contest – Held annually for students in grades 1–5, this contest encourages young people to explore the principles of democracy and justice through art. It’s an accessible way for youth to engage with civic values and learn about their rights and responsibilities.
• Juror Appreciation Week – Each May, we recognize the essential role jurors play in our justice system. Through outreach and public education, we celebrate and elevate the importance of jury service.
• Legal Career Fair – We help introduce high school, college, and law students to careers in law through an inclusive, engaging event that connects them with legal professionals and resources. The Career Fair supports our long-term goal of creating a more diverse, representative legal community.

All of this is made possible by donors who believe in justice—not just as an ideal, but as a right that should be available to everyone.

Why the Endowment Matters

The Foundation’s Endowment is a permanent, invested fund that provides sustainable income to support and expand our mission for years to come. By contributing to the Endowment, you help secure the future of our work—ensuring that we can continue responding to evolving community needs, funding critical services, and launching new initiatives.

Gifts to the Endowment are more than donations. They are declarations that justice matters—not just today, but always. They empower us to remain a strong, stable source of support for organizations on the front lines of legal aid and civic education. They give us the freedom to innovate, grow, and serve with purpose.

Your Legacy. Lancaster’s Future.

A gift to the Endowment creates a legacy of justice and compassion. Whether you give now or include the Lancaster Law Foundation in your estate plans, your support ensures that access to justice remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.

Together, we can build a more just Lancaster County—today, tomorrow, and always.