Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic (JAMLAC) is a nonprofit law firm that provides transformational legal advocacy for vulnerable and impoverished people in Colorado.
About JAMLAC
JAMLAC addresses the practical legal needs of people struggling with poverty and oppression in the Denver metro area.
Founded in 2006, JAMLAC is a faith-based, non-profit law firm that provides safe and confidential resource for victims of daily hardship and cruelty. Full-time attorneys, paralegals, interns and volunteers manage approximately 50 active cases each week. Last year, JAMLAC provided civil legal services to over 800 indigent clients, 97% of whom were victims of domestic abuse.
JAMLAC also partners with the Christian Legal Society to provide eight free consultation clinics at local churches and homeless shelters in the Denver metro area.
JAMLAC provides free bi-lingual representation, consultations, and advocacy in the following civil legal areas:
Family Law Matters
Bankruptcy
Immigration
Sealing of records
General Civil Matters
The Need
Client Comments
"Your dedication to your profession and to me was above and beyond anything anyone has ever done for me. I truly cannot express how grateful I am for you. You actually saved my life, literally. Thank you for being there when I needed you most."
"It has been hard to put into words how important of a person you have been in my life. I cannot thank you enough for your help in my legal matters. The girls are thriving and doing well in school."
"I just wanted to thank you for helping me with all of this stuff with my ex and for being such a good friend. You even listened to me when I was crying. It means a lot to me."
"He will never touch me again!"
Do Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.
In the United States, 60% of women in poverty are involved in abusive relationships. These victims of domestic violence often lack the resources, knowledge and connections to receive help and break free from the dangerous environments that they call home. During the past 20 years, the number of non-profit attorneys has been cut in half, while the number of impoverished people has increased by almost 75%.
When the legal needs of a low-income person are not addressed, other problems often result. For example, women trapped in a cycle of domestic violence can experience loss of employment, loss of housing, or the loss of child custody.
The Strategy
The primary goal of the JAMLAC staff is to provide holistic support and legal representation to the impoverished people within the metro Denver community. JAMLAC partners with various organizations that focus their effort on the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless. Partner organizations include but are not limited to:
Denver Rescue Mission
Christian Legal Society
Samaritan House
Salvation Army
Centro San Juan Diego
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Open Door Ministries (JET partner)
Communities of Faith United (JET partner)
Servicios de la Raza (JET partner)
Providence Network (JET partner)
Joshua Station (JET partner)
MORE Life Center (JET partner)
Through the JET Partnership, JAMLAC is able to provide comprehensive civil legal assistance, advocacy, immigration, and holistic services to immigrant and non-immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Services include bi-lingual access to legal representation for domestic and immigration issues, pro se advocacy, and consultations for domestic matters.
Empower
Last year, JAMLAC served 898 low-income clients, 97% of whom were victims of crime.
The availability of a lawyer is one of the most important factors in determining whether a victim of domestic violence will return to an abusive relationship.* When the legal needs of a low-income person are addressed, their capacity to shape their own world is strengthened.
"My daughter and I would like to thank you for all your help and enabling us to move forward with our lives. We were truly blessed to have met you and are truly thankful. Thank you for believing in us."
Equip
In partnership with the Christian Legal Society, JAMLAC provided legal consultation to an additional 1067 low-income individuals through eight seven triage clinics.
Engage
Last year JAMLAC was blessed with 86 volunteers that gave approximately 2,500 hours of service. These volunteers were interns, law students, attorneys, advocates and lay persons.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
*April 2008 "Colorado Lawyer," Minnesota State Bar Association study
Our Services
Legal Services
JAMLAC provides legal services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Our services include victim advocacy, legal consultations and full representation. Our attorneys provide full representation on a case by case basis. Unfortunately, we cannot provide full representation to everyone who seeks our services.
We provide services for victims in the following areas:
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Family Law Matters (divorce, child custody, child support, protection orders)
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Immigration Matters
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Bankruptcy
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Sealing of Records
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General Civil Matters
The first step in the process is to meeting with our Victim Advocate for an intake. If you are a victim and would like to schedule an intake, please email JAMLAC@milehighmin.org or call 303.839.1008 to leave a message and someone will get back to you within 2 business days.
Other Resources
Triage Legal Clinics
In partnership with Christian Legal Society of Metro Denver, we host several legal clinics on Friday afternoons throughout Denver. Volunteer Attorneys provide one-on-one legal advice for one hour. Clinics are consultation only, not full representation.
Please call ahead to schedule an appointment
Clinic Locations and Hours:
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Denver Rescue Mission (1130 Park Avenue West, Denver, 80217/ 303-294-0157) Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Communities of Faith United - COFU (Temporary Location: Amazing Grace Community Church, 541 E 99th Pl, Thornton. CO 80229/ 720-616- 1896) Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Samaritan House (2301 Lawrence St., Denver / 303-294-0241) Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Salvation Army (2136 Champa Street, Denver, 80204 / 303-296-2456) Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Providence Network (801 Logan Street, Denver / 303-860-8404) One Friday per month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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More Life Center (2220 S. Chambers Road, Aurora, 80014 / 303-256-2909) Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Centro San Juan Diego (2830 Lawrence St., Denver, 80205 / 303-297-8696) Third Friday of each month from 9am to noon.
Disclaimer: Contacting our office and the material on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney/client relationship.
Events
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 7th from 3-7PM
Celebrate 10 years of jeaking justice with JAMLAC at our Kentucky Derby Party. Fancy hats and bow ties are encouraged!
For more information, please email Nikki Koster.
Interested in Sponsoring this milestone event? Contact Nikki for sponsorship packages and details.
Joy of Giving Event
It is with great joy that we announce to you we raised $29,330 during the Joy of Giving Event at Bachus & Schanker on Dec 4th. Thank you to everyone who gave generously to this effort and a special thanks to Darin Schanker who matched all the donations given at the event! The event was organized by the fantastic members of the Bachus and Schanker Cares Foundation.
Past Events
Volunteer
Donate your time by taking a Pro Bono case, serving at one of our triage clinics, or volunteering in our office. We have a place for any volunteer—attorneys, law students, and other professionals.
Become a monthly donor or make a one-time gift to support the clients in need of legal services. $50/month covers the cost to provide legal services to one client. Make an online donation by clicking HERE or send in a donation to the address below. Donations to JAMLAC qualify for the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit! Your gift entitles you to a 25% tax credit on your Colorado State income tax return, in addition to your full regular federal and state charitable deductions. Click HERE for more information on the tax credit.
Silent Auction Item
Give an auction item for our event, or in-kind gifts such as office supplies. (These donations are tax-deductible as well as eligible for the 12.5% Enterprise Zone tax credit.)
Spread the Word
Share JAMLAC with your firm, business, church, family, co-workers, and friends. We are happy to give presentations about JAMLAC to any firm, club, group or organization.
For more information on getting involved at JAMLAC, please contact Nikki Koster.
Impact Partners
Impact Partners are businesses making a difference in the lives of people struggling with poverty by partnering with JAMLAC
Benefit of being an Impact Partner:
· Gold Sponsor at JAMLAC’s 10th Year Anniversary Event
· Specialized Video for your company
· 1 year of advertising in JAMLAC Communication
· $1,250 Tax credit through the Enterprise Zone
Sponsorship Level: $5,000
To learn more about being an Impact Partner for 2016, please email nkoster@milehighmin.org
Impact Partners are businesses making a difference in the lives of people struggling with poverty by partnering with JAMLAC. Thanks to these Impact Partners:
Get Involved
