Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) plays an indispensable role in poor people's lives in the Boston area by providing free, high-quality civil (noncriminal) legal assistance to low-income individuals and families. GBLS helps its clients operate the complex maze of laws and directions, enabling them to obtain life necessities. GBLS annually assists over 10,000 people who live at or below 125% of the federal poverty standard ($30,750 for a family of 4).