Cy Pres Awards

Cy Pres Awards

Bay Area Legal Services is eligible to receive nominations and awards for cy pres funding. 

Derived from a French phrase with meaning of “as near as possible,” cy pres awards are often designated when residual funds remain in a class action lawsuit. The resolution for residual funds that cannot be distributed to class members is the selection of a charitable organization that can help prevent similar lawsuits from occurring. 

Under the guidelines of a cy pres distribution, the courts approve a charitable organization as the beneficiary of the funds. Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm whose objective is to help the most vulnerable members of our community. Regardless of the underlying issue in the class action lawsuit, our organization gives a voice to people who otherwise may not have been heard or represented.

If you, your firm, or someone you know is party to or counsel in a class action case involving a potential cy pres award, you can nominate Bay Area Legal Services as the recipient. Cy pres distributions assist in the life-changing work our attorneys provide to create pathways to justice for the low-income and marginalized communities we serve. For questions about cy pres, please contact our Development Team at development@bals.org.

Thank you to those who obtained court approval and facilitated cy pres awards in recent years for Bay Area Legal Services:

Apply for Services

Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.

How do I apply? Am I eligible?

Bay Area Legal Services

If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.

Statewide Legal Helplines

If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.