Who We Are
Serving Arizona Since 1952
Community Legal Services is a non-profit Arizona law firm that strives to assure fairness in the justice system no matter how much money you have but provides direct services to individuals falling below 125% of the federal poverty level. We were incorporated in 1952 as a legal aid program organized to promote “equal access to justice for all.”
Executive Staff
Executive Director
Deputy Director
Director of Litigation and Advocacy
Director of Volunteer Lawyers Program
Director of Development and Communications
Finance Director
Human Resources Administrator
Board of Directors
Officers and Executive Committee Members
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President
Gerald P. Richard II, Esq. Law Office of Gerald P. Richard II, PLLC
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Vice President
Josh Tesoriero, Esq. Yuma County Public Defender’s Office
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Treasurer
Cary L. Lacky., Esq. Maricopa County Office of the Public Advocate
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Secretary
Velva Moses-Thompson, Esq. Office of Administrative Hearings
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Immediate Past President
Fred Breedlove, Esq. Dorsey & Whitney LLP
At Large Executive Committee
Josh Tesoriero, Esq. Yuma County Public Defender’s Office
Velva Moses-Thompson, Esq. Office of Administrative Hearings
Diana S. Solorio, Client Board Representative Phoenix, AZ
Vanessa Morales, Client Board Representative Tolleson, AZ
Members
Yvette B. Kinsey Arizona Corporation Commission
Danny Inglese, Esq. Snell & Wilmer, LLP
Melinda Williams Client Board Representative
Max H. Covil, Esq. Judge, Maricopa Superior Court
Tracy Essig, Esq. Essig Law
Annette Cox Sandoval, Esq. Cox Sandoval Law, PLLC
William D. Furnish, Esq. Osborn Maledon
Barbara Sullivan Client Board Representative
LaVonna Lick Client Board Representative Phoenix, AZ
Christine Baird Client Board Representative Phoenix, AZ
Andrew Jacob
Taylor R. Nelson, Esq. Prescott Law Group, P.L.C.
Melinda Williams Client Board Representative Phoenix, AZ
Linda Tivorsak Bird, Esq. Jaburg Wilk
Thomas P. Thurston Client Board Representative Phoenix, AZ
In the News
:: USA Today | Hundreds of Arizona renters may have been wrongfully evicted during pandemic
“Families are being devastated by illegal evictions in Arizona. It’s a nightmare for too many,” said Pamela Bridge, director of advocacy and litigation at the Arizona nonprofit Community Legal Services.
“These are evictions that shouldn’t be happening. The CARES Act is clear that evictions for not paying rent shouldn’t have happened.”
:: KJZZ | Arizona Eviction Moratorium Expires Oct. 31, But Tenants May Qualify For CDC Eviction Protection
“Even with the CDC order in place, Pam Bridge, director of litigation and advocacy with Community Legal Services, expects to see more evictions in Arizona with the expiration of the state order.”
:: Arizona Republic | Millions more in renter aid announced as Arizona eviction ban ends; federal protection still available
” ‘The additional rental aid could help the state’s thousands of renters struggling to keep their homes, but many now also need to fill out additional forms to qualify for the federal eviction moratorium,” said Pamela Bridge, Community Legal Services director of litigation and advocacy.”
:: ABC 15 | New order gives landlords more power when it comes to evictions
“If you’re a renter having financial trouble trying to stay in your home, it may have just gotten harder.
” ‘The rules have changed again for everyone,’ says attorney Pam Bridge with non-profit Community Legal Services.”
:: Arizona Republic | Landlord challenge to Arizona eviction moratorium denied by state Supreme Court
“The Supreme Court’s decision ‘is important for tenants who don’t qualify for the CDC Order,’ said Pamela Bridge, director of advocacy and litigation at the Arizona nonprofit Community Legal Services. ‘They (those renters) can remain in their homes if they qualify for the governor’s order through the end of October.’ ”
Our Finances
Community Legal Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID 86-0166615.
Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization #20534.
CLS Annual Report
2022
IRS Form 990
2023
GuideStar
Candid Seal of Transparency