The Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.
The Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) has been providing free civil legal help to vulnerable Delawareans since 1946. They are the oldest and largest civil legal aid organization in the state and one of the oldest in the country. After decades of service, CLASI wanted a brand and website that made it easier for people to understand their mission and find the support they need. They partnered with First Ascent to build a more accessible, client-centered digital experience and a refreshed brand that brings clarity, trust, and heart to their work.
Scope of Work
- Branding
- Logo Design
- Website Copywriting, Design, and Development
- Branded Asset Design
- Subbrand Identity Design
Building on a Trusted Legacy to Reach More Delawareans in Need
For almost 80 years, CLASI has grown from a small poverty-assistance program into a statewide legal lifeline for people who need it most, including older adults, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, and families facing housing discrimination. Through surveys and stakeholder feedback, it became clear that CLASI was not always reaching the communities most in need of their services. The brand and website needed to feel more welcoming for clients and more credible for partners and donors.
Symbols of Support, Service, and Justice
CLASI’s new logo was designed to put Delawareans at the center and reflect the organization’s commitment to equality and support. Our team took an iterative, research-driven approach that included stylescapes and multiple rounds of board feedback to refine the direction. The final mark pairs the outline of Delaware with a pillar, symbolizing both community connection and steady support. The lighter blue brings a sense of calm and accessibility, while the deeper navy conveys trust, stability, and long-standing experience.
A Platform Built Around How People Actually Seek Help
A key part of rebuilding CLASI’s website involved reorganizing their programs in a way that feels intuitive to the people who need them. Instead of legal jargon, we grouped information around real-life situations that often overlap, giving clients a clearer starting point. Safety and privacy were essential considerations. A quick-exit button helps protect users searching for domestic violence resources, and staff bios now include an option to appear without a headshot so team members working in sensitive areas can maintain privacy. The site uses clear pathways, people-centered imagery, and impact statistics to reinforce CLASI’s client-first mission and create an experience that feels approachable and easy to navigate.
Subbranding for Disability Rights Delaware
As part of CLASI’s rebrand, we worked with the Disabilities Law Program, Delaware’s designated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency, to create the Disability Rights Delaware subbrand. The goal was to make the program immediately recognizable in disability-focused outreach and events, while maintaining a clear connection to CLASI. Our design team emphasized the words “Disability Rights Delaware” for visibility and impact, bringing the subbrand into CLASI’s refreshed visual identity and logo.
A Trusted Resource Made Even Stronger
CLASI’s new brand and website make it easier for clients, partners, and donors to find what they need and understand the full scope of CLASI’s work. With a more consistent visual system and a site built around real-world needs, CLASI is better equipped to reach more Delawareans and share the impact of their services with greater clarity. We were proud to support this work and strengthen an organization that plays such an essential role in the Delaware community.
