{"id":377031,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/free-legal-aid-in-seattle.html"},"modified":"2025-01-02T12:31:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T17:31:06","slug":"free-legal-aid-in-seattle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/free-legal-aid-in-seattle.html","title":{"rendered":"Free Legal Aid in Seattle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Free Legal Aid in Seattle<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Trying to find legal help when you are trying just to make ends meet can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many agencies in Seattle that can help you for free or low cost, particularly if you meet income eligibility guidelines. So whether you need assistance with a landlord\/tenant issue, getting your unemployment benefits reinstated, filing bankruptcy, or some other matter, we have compiled a list of agencies and organizations that may be able to help you. Keep in mind that most of the non-profit legal aid centers can assist with civil (but not criminal) matters. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you should start by contacting the King County Department of Public Defense.<\/p>\n

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    \n \n King County Bar Association (Pro Bono Services Department)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1200 5th Avenue<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 600<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98101<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 267-7100\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> The King County Bar Association (KCBA) Pro Bono Association provides a variety of options to help you with your civil legal issues. They also have Neighborhood Legal Clinics, they offer residents of King County free half hour legal consultations regarding any civil legal issue. To make an appointment at one of the general clinics, call 206-267-7070 Tuesday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. They also have specialty legal clinics focusing on issues such as civil rights, domestic violence, immigration and more. In addition to the clinics, KCBA\u2019s Volunteer Legal Services program offers direct representation to low-income individuals in a variety of legal areas.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Northwest Justice Project\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    401 Second Avenue S<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 407<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98104<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 464-1519\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> Northwest Justice Project (\u201cNJP\u201d) is Washington state\u2019s publicly funded legal aid program. They maintain a free legal resource website<\/a> which provides printable self-help packets, legal information, forms and instructions. In addition, if you need to speak to an attorney, NJP operates the \u201cCLEAR\u201d (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral) intake and referral hotline which \u201cserves as the statewide, centralized point of access for clients seeking free legal help, including advice, education, limited legal services, self-help materials and, where available, referrals for further representation.\u201d Inside King County call 211 Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm to access the CLEAR services. Refer here<\/a> for more information regarding getting legal help through NJP<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Washington State Bar Association (Moderate Means Program)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1325 Fourth Avenue<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 600<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98101<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 443-9722\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note<\/b>: The Moderate Means Program through the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is designed to connect attorneys with individuals with family, consumer or housing law needs whose incomes are 200-400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Volunteer law students from Gonzaga University, University of Washington and Seattle University conduct the initial intake interviews and refer when appropriate to participating lawyers. You and the attorney will negotiate the final fee, but the program suggests that fees be reduced on a sliding scale basis (25%-75% reduction) based on your income level. Refer to the list of Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> for additional information.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Northwest Immigrant Rights Project\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    615 2nd Avenue<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 400<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98104<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 587-4009\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) notes that it \u201cis the only organization in Washington State dedicated solely to strengthening the rights and well being of low-income immigrants and refugees.\u201d If you meet their eligibility requirements, contact NWIRP by telephone (do not drop in), and they may be able to assist you with citizenship, asylum, domestic violence issues, and\/or family-based immigration. If you are a detained immigrant or have a loved one who is, you may wish to refer to NWIRP\u2019s Guide for Detained Immigrants<\/a> for information on ways to defend your case.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Unemployment Law Project\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1904 Third Avenue<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 604<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98101<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 441-9178\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note<\/b>: The Unemployment Law Project (ULP) provides free legal help to Washington State residents who have been denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. Their primary services are representing individuals<\/a> at administrative hearings and offering advice and information through the telephone helpline<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Columbia Legal Services\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    101 Yesler Way<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 300<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 8104<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 464-1122\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note<\/b>: Columbia Legal Services (CLS) notes that it \u201cconcentrates mostly on critical legal problems affecting large numbers of low-income people,\u201d but that it does \u201crepresent some clients on individual legal problems.\u201d Areas of law CLS is involved in include employment, housing, consumer abuse, education, disability and senior law. Most clients are referred to CLS by other organizations \u2013 they recommend that to access their services you start by calling 211.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Legal Voice\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    907 Pine Street<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 500<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98101<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 682-9552\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> This organization cannot help you with direct representation, but offers many self-help publications that you can access free on its website in the areas of family law, violence against women, consumer and debt, employment rights, court procedures and lawyers, LGBT rights, criminal rights, civil rights, health and reproductive justice, and wills and estates.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Catholic Community Services\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    Legal Action Center<\/p>\n \n

    100 23rd Avenue S<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98144<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 328-5696\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note<\/b>: The Legal Action Center provides free legal assistance to low income residents of King County facing housing issues such as eviction, landlord\/tenant problems, and debtor\/creditor issues related to past tenancies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Seattle Community Law Center\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1404 E. Yesler Way<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 203<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98122<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 686-7252\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> This organization provides \u201cSocial Security advocacy for people with disabilities who are low income or homeless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n King County Department of Public Defense\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    401 5th Avenue<\/p>\n \n

    Suite 550<\/p>\n

    \n Seattle,<\/span>\n WA<\/span>\n 98104<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (206) 296-7662\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note:<\/b> If you are accused of a crime and cannot afford an attorney, the Department of Public Defense (DPD) may be able to help you. Check here<\/a> for eligibility requirements for DPD Services and here<\/a> for information on how to get a DPD attorney. Additional information about the process may be found on the Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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