Central American Legal Assistance
Non-profit organization
240 Hooper St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About Central American Legal Assistance
Central American Legal Assistance (CALA) is a non-profit organization established in 1986 to provide legal services to New York's immigrant community. The firm's mission is to protect and defend Central and South American asylum-seekers and to expand the civil rights of all immigrants. CALA offers free or low-cost legal services, including advice, counseling, and legal representation, and has assisted thousands of Latino immigrants on their path to citizenship.
The firm's history is deeply intertwined with the struggles of Central American people and other immigrants. CALA was founded by Anne Pilsbury in response to the Salvadoran Civil War refugee crisis, building on earlier efforts by advocates like Sister Peggy Walsh and Father Bryan Karvelis. Based in a Brooklyn church, CALA serves as a home base for immigrants seeking legal assistance. The staff are bilingual, reflecting the community they serve. CALA's legal work includes representing asylum applicants in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Courts of Appeals. They also assist with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications, and other immigration matters.
From the firm’s website
- Attorneys
- Anne Pilsbury — Founder and Senior Attorney
- Heather Axford — Director
- Ryan Clough — Supervising Staff Attorney
- Cassie Estassi — Supervising Staff Attorney
- Miwako Dai — Staff Attorney
- Services listed
- Asylum, Removal Proceedings, Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Founded
- 1986
- Fees
- Central American Legal Assistance provides free or low-cost legal services to New York's Immigrant Community.
- Offices
- 240 Hooper Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Source: centralamericanlegal.info · checked October 16, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 10 am–4 pm
- Tuesday
- 10 am–4 pm
- Wednesday
- 10 am–4 pm
- Thursday
- 10 am–4 pm
- Friday
- 10 am–4 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
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Central American Legal Assistance — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central American Legal Assistance located?
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Central American Legal Assistance is at 240 Hooper St, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
What services does Central American Legal Assistance list on its website?
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When checked on October 16, 2026, the firm's website (centralamericanlegal.info) listed Asylum, Removal Proceedings, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
How do I contact Central American Legal Assistance?
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Call Central American Legal Assistance at +1 718-486-6800. Its website is centralamericanlegal.info.
When is Central American Legal Assistance open?
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Monday to Friday: 10 am–4 pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed.
How is Central American Legal Assistance rated on Google?
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Central American Legal Assistance has a 4.5-star rating on Google from 120 reviews.
Client Reviews
5 reviews- Patrick Villasmil· via Google
Very good.. Profesional people
5 years ago - César Dueñas· via Google
They help me out when I first came to the United States, Attorneys Rebecca and Anne were very kind and helpful with me and my family.
10 years ago - John P· via Google
been coming here for years !! Amazing service
a year ago - Shilene Cacho· via Google
I do not understand why they said that they help Central American countries but when you call the office, they told me they do not help Belize people. They should be specific about what countries in Central America are they helping.
2 years ago - magda ortvill· via Google
They honest person!! And always talk yuo, the true about your status migratory. You can trustworthy them. I am very happy with the work they did for me, I recommend it!!!
9 years ago
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