1950’s – The Legal Aid Society

1951: A group of attorneys, members, and officers of the Worcester County Bar Association file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State creating the Legal Aid Society of Worcester, Inc.

1951: A group of attorneys, members, and officers of the Worcester County Bar Association file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State creating the Legal Aid Society of Worcester, Inc.

The purpose of the Legal Aid Society is: “To assist worthy persons, who are in need, to procure legal aid.” The first president, Cosimo Toscano, is quoted in a May, 1951 article in the Worcester Telegram as saying, “This is an organization of lawyers, sponsored by the Worcester County Bar Association, to provide legal assistance for those financially unable to engage an attorney.” In its modest beginnings, the volunteer based Legal Aid Society has no office or paid staff.

1957–59: The Legal Aid Society opens its first office in the Commerce Building on Main Street, Worcester, and hires its first attorney-director, Attorney Ralph Sigel. The Society opens its first office primarily with a $2,500 grant from the Worcester Bar Association, $5,000 from the National Legal Aid Association, and individual donations. In October 1959, the Legal Aid Society receives approval as a grantee of the local Community Chest (which has evolved into the United Way of Central Mass). The United Way continues to be one of Community Legal Aid’s most valued supporters even today.