Charleston Legal Access names new executive director

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Charleston Legal Access, a nonprofit law firm that aims to expand access to legal services in South Carolina, has named Lana Kleiman as its new executive director.

Kleiman assumed the role on April 1. She takes over for Adair Ford Boroughs, who announced her campaign for Congress representing the state’s 2nd district earlier this month.

Charleston Legal Access serves clients whose limited incomes disqualify them from free legal services but who cannot afford private attorney rates. The nonprofit provides advice and counsel over the phone for free, and in-person consultations are $50. Full representation is offered on a sliding scale depending on household size and income.

Kleiman is a Charleston resident who previously served as senior staff attorney in the Matrimonial & Family Law Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group, a New York City nonprofit that provides legal services to low-income New Yorkers. Prior to joining the Family Law Unit, Kleiman was the nonprofit’s pro bono manager.

“I am excited by the opportunity to take the skills, knowledge and passion I have developed throughout my career in direct client services and apply them to my new role as executive director at CLA (Charleston Legal Access),” Kleiman said in a news release. “I look forward to continue to grow CLA and ensure that more people in South Carolina receive high quality legal representation.”

Kleiman is also an adjunct professor at Charleston School of Law, a partner with Social Venture Partners and serves on the board of My Sister’s House, a local shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

“CLA is fortunate to have a person of Lana’s caliber to lead it through its next phase,” said Mavis Huger, board chair of Charleston Legal Access, in the release. “Lana’s commitment to expanding access to justice for marginalized persons will serve our clients and our mission well.”