Charleston prides itself on good food, good shopping and good people. Named “the South’s best city” by Southern Living for a decade straight, the Holy City continues to grow as a top tourist destination. At the heart of its growth is the hospitality workers that make the city go ‘round.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the food and beverage industry accounts for 11.2% of local employment, compared to 8.8% nationally.
As that workforce grows, so do the challenges many workers face outside the workplace — from housing instability to immigration concerns. That’s where Charleston Legal Access (CLA) comes in.
“Charleston Legal Access is committed to serving individuals who fall within the justice gap, particularly those in industries like hospitality,” said Shirene Hansotia, Executive Director of Charleston Legal Access.
Founded in 2016 CLA provides legal services to low- to moderate-income residents, including assistance with immigration, housing, employment and family law.
The nonprofit law firm operates on a sliding scale, meaning services are available based on the financial ability of the client, according to their income.
“Restaurant workers often earn too much to qualify for traditional legal aid but cannot afford private representation,” Hansotia told the Charleston City Paper. “Our work ensures they have access to high-quality, affordable legal services when they need them most.”
Immigrant workers, who make up a significant portion of the hospitality industry, may face additional uncertainty amid shifting federal immigration enforcement priorities. A February report from Reuters, citing local estimates in Minneapolis, found increased immigration enforcement activity contributed to weekly business revenue losses ranging from $10 million to $20 million in the city.
CLA helps people with a wide range of immigration needs. They have a bilingual on-staff attorney to help individuals seek safety in the U.S., defend against deportation, reunite with family members, apply for citizenship and access protections like Temporary Protected Status. They also assist with special visas and other forms of humanitarian relief.
The law firm collaborates with College of Charleston through a student-led PR agency known as the COMM Agency, whose members pitched the idea to bring CLA to Second Sunday on King Street.
“When we first learned about CLA, we knew we wanted to play a role in exposing more members of our community to their services,” said Gianna Maddalena, a senior communications student in the COMM Agency.
On Sunday, representatives from CLA and the COMM Agency plan to connect directly with hospitality workers and residents, raising awareness on the services the law firm can provide. CLA’s booth will include interactive activities and giveaways, including a raffle for hospitality workers to enter for the chance to win a gift card.
As Charleston Legal Access celebrates its 10-year anniversary, organizers say their focus remains on expanding access to legal resources for workers who help sustain one of the city’s most crucial industries.
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