Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance in cases where it can make a difference in one’s ability to meet basic human needs, including access to housing, food, income, safety, education, and healthcare. PTLA serves more than 7,500 individuals and families each year through direct legal assistance and more than one million people through its popular websites.
2027 goals
1. Preserve housing and related needs
- Prevent evictions and homelessness.
- Protect affordable housing opportunities.
- Address unsafe housing conditions and housing discrimination.
2. Maintain and protect income and economic security
- Help clients obtain and retain public benefits.
- Address debt, consumer protection, and economic stability issues.
3. Promote safety, health, and well-being
- Assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Address legal issues affecting healthcare and personal safety.
4. Improve outcomes for children and youth
- Support access to education and family stability.
- Protect the rights and well-being of children.
5. Protect workplace rights and opportunities
- Enforce labor protections for low-wage workers and farm workers.
- Address wage theft and employment-related legal issues.
6. Serve vulnerable populations
- Provide legal assistance to groups facing additional barriers, including veterans, people with disabilities, and others with heightened legal needs.
7. Improve access to justice statewide
- Widely share legal information and self-help resources.
- Expand our work with the Wabanaki Nations in Maine.
- Support reforms that make Maine’s civil justice system more accessible.
Giving opportunities
PTLA offers several ways for individuals, law firms, foundations, and businesses to support its work:
1. Donations can be made by check or online at ptla.org.
2. Enduring Advocates is our monthly giving program that provides a reliable funding stream.
3. Mission Partners is a new opportunity for businesses that care deeply about justice and community. Your business already contributes to Maine’s economy. As a Mission Partner, you contribute to Maine’s fairness and future. Together, we can ensure that Mainers have access to legal help when they need it most, and don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. For more information about Mission Partners, please contact Misty Vigue at mvigue@ptla.org.
4. The Campaign for Justice is a coordinated campaign encouraging Maine attorneys and law firms to support civil legal aid through annual contributions.
5. Visit PTLA.org for more information about how to give through bequests, planned gifts, donations of stock or other charitable assets, IRA charitable rollovers, and donor-advised funds.
Events
PTLA engages supporters and community through annual fundraising events, volunteer recognition celebrations, educational speaker series, community legal clinics, attorney trainings, and public outreach programs that advance access to justice throughout Maine.
1. Stories under the Stars – Our annual storytelling fundraiser features meaningful community connection, stories of impact, and delicious hors d’oeuvres.
2. Volunteer Celebration – An annual event honoring pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and supporters of access to justice. Event includes awards, networking, food, and recognition of volunteer contributions.
Community Outreach Events
PTLA also participates in:
- Legal clinics and legal-help sessions in partnership with libraries and community organizations.
- Volunteer trainings and CLE (Continuing Legal Education) programs for attorneys.
- Eviction defense trainings and housing-rights information sessions.
