Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services *
901 SE Oak St., Ste. 105
Portland, OR 97214
Contact: Sara Scott (503) 542-2855 ext. 36
Email: saramscott@gmail.com
Contact: Chanpone Sinlapasi-Okemura (503) 542-2855 ext. 41
Email: chanpone@catholiccharitiesoregon.org

OPPORTUNITIES: A wide variety of immigration cases, including removal defense, family visas, self-petitions by battered spouses, and others. Volunteers may perform any level of assistance ranging from discrete tasks up to full representation in immigration court.
TRAINING: Informal and as needed, through experienced immigration attorney. Extensive library of training materials. Occasional opportunities for formal seminars, when offered in the region.
OTHER: Spanish (or other) language skills greatly appreciated! Agency provides insurance. No specific time commitments.

Catholic Charities/El Programa Hispano *
451 NW 1st St., Gresham, OR 97030
Contact: Sandra Perez (503) 669-8350 x225
Email: sperez@catholiccharitiesoregon.org
or Nathan Teske (503) 669-8350 x 233

OPPORTUNITIES: El Programa Hispano/Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC) invites CPA’s, attorneys, or enrolled agents to be part of our Tax Expert Representative Group. Volunteers may advocate and represent low income Latino taxpayers who have controversy with the  IRS.
OTHER: El Programa Hispano provides direct Spanish translation to all those cases that might require this service.

Center for NonProfit Legal Services *
225 W Main St.
Medford, OR 97501
Contact: Debra FJ Lee (541) 779-7292
Email: lee.debra@charterinternet.com

OPPORTUNITIES: Handling of conflict overflow cases representing the adverse party. Cases are usually in the areas of family law, housing, consumer, employment immigration, individual rights and public benefits law.
TRAINING: Training manuals provided; information sharing with experienced practitioners.

Columbia County Legal Aid Program *
PO Box 1400
St. Helens, OR 97051
Contact: Holly Barbour (503) 397-1628
Email: ccla@ados.net

OPPORTUNITIES: Cases involving family law and landlord-tenant.

Community Development Law Center (CDLC)
921 SW Washington, Suite 454,
Portland, OR 97205
Contact: Leon Laptook (503) 471-1180
Email: leon.laptook@lasoregon.org

OPPORTUNITIES: This project of the Campaign for Equal Justice and Legal Aid Services of Oregon assists nonprofit organizations involved in housing and other community development activities. The CDLC provides legal advice and representation, group training and one-on-one technical assistance to its nonprofit clients. The CDLC has a wide range of pro bono opportunities for attorneys interested in working with nonprofits to increase affordable housing for Oregon’s low-income residents. Limited dispute resolution and no litigation.
TRAINING: None.
OTHER: PLF coverage for pro bono referrals is provided for exempt attorneys; no specific time commitment.

Immigration Counseling Service *
519 SW Park Ave. Ste. 610
Portland, OR 97205
Contact: Barbara Babcock (503) 221-1689 ext. 103
Email: bbabcock@immigrationcounseling.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Cases involving family unity defense and unification, protection from persecution, deportation defense, and protection for victims of domestic violence.
TRAINING: Experienced attorneys available.
OTHER: Foreign language helpful, but not required. Agency provides insurance for exempt attorneys.

Lane County Legal Aid & Advocacy Center
Senior Law Services *
376 E 11th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: Jean Beachdel (541) 342-6056 ext. 131
Email: jbeachdel@lclac.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Advice and counsel to seniorsby appointment at senior centers.
TRAINING: On the job. Volunteers have use of law library and expertise of legal services attorneys.
OTHER: Minimum time commitment is 2 hours.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center
These organizations coordinate the pro bono programs in 32 counties in Oregon through local offices. Listed below are the projects:

OPPORTUNITIES: Varied opportunities available ranging from brief consultations to full case representation for low-income clients on cases involving general practice legal issues including: restraining orders, family, housing, consumer,
senior, civil rights, employment, administrative and individual rights.
TRAINING: Access to program training materials,state and national back-up centers, sample pleadings, research, etc. as needed.
OTHER: PLF coverage for pro bono referrals is provided for exempt attorneys; no specific time commitment.

Baker, Grant, Harney, & Malheur Counties,
Oregon Law Center *
225 SW 1st Ave. #6
Ontario, OR 97914
Contact: David Henretty (541) 889-3121
Email: dhenretty81419@lasoregon.org

Benton & Linn Counties
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
433 4th Ave. SW
Albany, OR 97321
Contact: Tamie Smith (541) 926-8678
toll free (800) 817-4605
Email: tamie.smith@lasoregon.org

Central Oregon, Klamath and Lake County,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
1029 NW 14th
Bend, OR 97701
Contact: Denise Newman (541) 385-6944
Email: denise.newman@lasoregon.org

Clackamas, Gilliam Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
421 High St. Ste. 110
Oregon City, OR 97045
Contact: (800) 228-6958
Email: oregoncity@lasoregon.org

Coos, Curry, and Western Douglas County,
Oregon Law Center *
455 S 4th, Suite 5, PO Box 1098
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Contact: Mark Vincent (541) 269-2616 ext. 201
Email: marksvincent2003@yahoo.com

Douglas County Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
700 SE Kane St., PO Box 219
Roseburg, OR 97470
Contact: Sharon Lee Schwartz (541) 673-1182 ext. 205
Email: sharonlee.schwartz@lasoregon.org

Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, & Wheeler Counties
Pro Bono Program,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
365 SE 3rd St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Contact: Arron Guevara (541) 966-1420
Email: arron.guevara@lasoregon.org

Josephine County Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Oregon Law Center *
424 NW 6th St. #102, PO Box 429
Grants Pass, OR 97528
Contact: Eric Dahlin (541) 476-2154
Email: olcgp@yahoo.com

Lane County Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers Program *
376 E 11th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: Ralph Saltus (541) 342-6056 ext. 140
Email: rsaltus@lclas.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Civil law cases for low income clients, serve seniors and victims of domestic violence on an appointment basis.
TRAINING: On the job. Volunteers have use of law library and expertise of legal services attorneys.
OTHER: Minimum time commitment is 2 hours.

Lincoln County,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
304 SW Coast Hwy, PO Box 1970
Newport, OR 97365
Contact: Linda Gast (541) 265-2833
Email: linda.gast@lasoregon.org

Multnomah County Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
921 SW Washington #520
Portland, OR 97205
Contact: Catherine Keenan (503) 224-4086
Email: catherinekeenan@lasoregon.org
Contact: Lynne Lloyd (503) 224-4086
Email: lynne.lloyd@lasoregon.org

OPPORTUNITIES:
Bankruptcy Clinic. The Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Section and the VLP developed a class and clinic to provide information and representation to low-income individuals who are considering bankruptcy or who are already in U.S. Bankruptcy Court as pro se litigants.  The project consists of two components, a class addressing bankruptcy issues and a clinic during which a volunteer attorney meets with each client for 30 minutes.  Anyone may attend the 45-minute class, taught by a member of the bankruptcy bar or bench.  Clients are screened for financial eligibility by VLP staff.  Volunteer attorneys meet with clients, help them assess whether bankruptcy is appropriate, and if so, provide ongoing representation.  The clinic alternates between a Beaverton site, a Gresham site, and a downtown Portland location each month.  The OSB Debtor-Creditor Section is responsible for recruiting the volunteer attorneys.  Six (6) attorneys and one (1) speaker are typically scheduled for each clinic.  Clinics are held on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-9:00 p.m.  Training materials are available. 

Domestic Violence Project. The Domestic Violence Project matches pro bono attorneys with victims of domestic violence for representation in contested Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) restraining order hearings, Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act and stalking order hearings. These cases tend to have short timelines, limited issues and require a court appearance. Attorneys sign up in advance to be available to take a case on a specific day (restraining order hearings are generally held on Mondays and Thursdays.) This project is an excellent volunteer opportunity for young lawyers, for lawyers seeking court experience, and for attorneys who cannot commit to taking long-term cases. Videotaped and written training materials are available.

Legal Aid Night Clinic. The firm of Stoel Rives, LLP sponsors an evening clinic every other Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  The clinic is held at the offices of Stoel Rives and every other clinic is open to volunteer attorneys outside the Stoel Rives firm.  Two volunteer attorneys are scheduled for each clinic.  Eight appointment slots are available each clinic.  Clients are screened by the VLP for financial eligibility.  Volunteer attorneys take cases in the following areas: consumer issues, small claims cases, criminal record expungements, landlord/tenant damage claims, Social Security cases, estate planning, uncontested guardianships, uninsured motorist defense, veterans’ benefits, and nonprofit incorporation.  The volunteer attorneys typically provide continuing legal representation to clients with meritorious cases..

ProBonoOregon Listserv. Legal service offices or certified pro bono programs around the state post cases to the listserv every Thursday. Only pre-approved organizations may post cases, with each program posting only one email per week. Postings are sent to individual attorneys or pro bono coordinators for internal distribution within firms. An attorney who is interested in accepting a pro bono opportunity contacts the listing office for full case information. Listings include the type of case and a brief description that does not include highly identifying facts or parties. Conflict information is discussed with interested attorneys when they contact the listing office. This project allows pro bono attorneys to take a pro bono case when it fits best with their schedule.

Pro Se Assistance Project. Attorneys provide pro bono consultations to individuals served by the Family Court Facilitation Program who require legal advice or document review.  Attorneys are scheduled to meet with three clients, each for a 45-minute appointment.  Clinics are held from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Multnomah County Courthouse.  Attorneys respond to discrete family law questions and/or review documents prepared by unrepresented litigants.   Attorneys are NOT expected to provide ongoing representation to clients and clients sign a retainer agreement detailing the limited scope of the attorney-client relationship.  We are seeking attorneys with family law experience to volunteer for this project.

Senior Law Project. The Senior Law Project (SLP) began in 1978 to provide seniors with access to basic legal advice. Volunteer lawyers meet with clients who are over the age of 60 or who are married to someone over 60, at 9 senior center locations in Multnomah County. Volunteer attorneys provide 30-minute consultations for up to 6 clients at each clinic. All clients over 60 are eligible for free 30-minute consultations, regardless of their income. SLP attorneys typically provide continuing pro bono services for only those clients who meet VLP financial eligibility requirements. The VLP sponsors a monthly Elder Law Discussion Group to provide information and support on issues of interest to the attorney volunteers. SLP is the VLP’s largest project, with over 25 clinics each month.

OTHER: PLF coverage is available for all of these projects. All of these projects are OSB-certified and 40 hours or more of service qualifies volunteers for recognition by the OSB.

Marion-Polk Legal Aid Services
Volunteer Lawyers Project *
1655 State St.
Salem, OR 97301
Contact: Michael A. Keeney (503) 581-5265 ext. 17 or
Kelly Noor (503) 581-5265 ext. 25
Email: Michael@mplas.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Full-service volunteer lawyer project for general civil practice with a variety of panels of lawyers volunteering in a number of areas. Also opportunities for retired or semi-retired lawyers to perform pro bono services for seniors.
TRAINING: Occasional CLE’s sponsored by the VLP and the pro bono committee of the Marion County Bar Association that are free to VLP volunteers. Staff attorneys provide mentoring when needed.
OTHER: PLF coverage not required; time commitment varies.

Multnomah County Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
921 SW Washington #520
Portland, OR 97205
Contact: Catherine Keenan (503) 224-4086
Email: catherinekeenan@lasoregon.org
Contact: Lynne Lloyd (503) 224-4086
Email: lynne.lloyd@lasoregon.org
This office offers a number of projects: Self Help Divorce Classes,
Domestic Violence Project, Bankruptcy Clinic, Aids Legal Project,
Social Security Panel and Senior Law Project

Oregon Law Center Pro Bono Program *
921 SW Washington #516
Portland, OR 97205
Contact: Lori Alton (503) 473-8326
Email: lorialton@yahoo.com
OLC sponsors neighborhood legal clinics for the Portland Metro area that provide assistance with a wide range of civil law matters. Opportunities also exist for in house pro bono assistance as well as special projects.

Oregon Law Center Children's Representation Project: Attorneys are appointed by the court to represent children who are involved in custody disputes in Multnomah County. Cases are placed at the request of the Multnomah County Family Law Court. Attorneys with family law experience are especially needed for this project.

Oregon Law Center Neighborhood Legal Clinic: Weekly clinics are conducted from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Portland. Each clinic services three to four clients. Common legal needs include collection, contract, landlord/tenant, unemployment, small estates and insurance defense issues. Currently, there are two clinics, one of which is geared toward Spanish-speaking clients.

Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook and Yamhill County
Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
230 NE 2nd Ave., Ste. A
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Contact: Leslea S Smith (503) 648-7163 ext. 105
Email: leslea.smith@lasoregon.org

Yamhill County Volunteer Lawyers Project,
Legal Aid Services of Oregon *
720 E 3rd St.
McMinnville, OR 97128
Contact: Lynda Bevier (503) 472-9561
Email: lynda.bevier@lasoregon.org

Lewis & Clark Legal Clinic *
310 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 1018
Portland, OR 97204
Contact: Richard Slottee (503) 768-6500

OPPORTUNITIES: Assist and mentor students in representation of low-income clients in family law, consumer, and employment issues. Provide assistance in developing micro business.
TRAINING: Backup assistance provided by clinical professors.
OTHER: Must have PLF Coverage. Time commitment varies.

Lewis & Clark Law School
Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC)  *
222 NW Fifth Street
Portland, OR 97209
Contact: Professor Maggie Finnerty (503) 768-6940
Email: Finnerty@lclark.edu

The Small Business Legal Clinic is an Oregon State Bar certified pro bono program. Staffed by a clinical law professor, and student interns, the SBLC assists low income, women and minority entrepreneurs with all manner of business transactional work, including:

Choice of entity and entity creation (including drafting of articles of incorporation and organization, bylaws and partnership agreements)

Contract review and drafting (real estate and leases, noncompetition and employment contracts, franchises, licensing agreements)

Debt problems (obtaining, reviewing and correcting credit reports)

Business financing (review of lending contracts and advice about loans)

Compliance with consumer, licensing and regulatory issues

Copyright and trademark creation

OPPORTUNITIES: In addition to its teaching clinic, the SBLC operates the SBLC pro bono project, providing opportunities for business transactions lawyers to meet with clients at the SBLC on selected days. The SBLC sets up appointments and runs conflict checks. Lawyers are able to specify time slots that work for them to come to the office and meet with pre-screened clients. Volunteer law students who earn pro bono honors credit are available to assist pro bono attorneys.
TRAINING: The SBLC runs brown-bag training series.
OTHER: Call Clinical Law Professor Maggie Finnerty for additional information on volunteer times and for additional information.

Oregon Advocacy Center, Disability Law *
620 SW 5th Ave., 5th floor
Portland, OR 97204
Contact: Barbara Herget (503) 243-2081
Email: welcome@oradvocacy.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Representation of individuals with disabilities with issues related to special education, abuse and neglect, access and individual rights.
TRAINING: Mentor Attorneys available; other training as needed.
OTHER: OAC is a non profit, law office providing free advocacy services to people who have a legal issue related to their disability. Volunteer attorneys need to have PLF coverage; time commitment varies as case requires.

Oregon State Bar Military Assistance Panel *
P.O. Box 231935
16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd
Tigard, OR
97281-1935
Contact: Kay Pulju (503) 620-0222 ext. 402
Email: kpulju@osbar.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Volunteer panelists shouldexpect to give at least one hour of advice and counseling regarding the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Oregons consumer protection laws, and general information on the rights of families with a member in active dutyto a client free of charge. It is up to the attorney and client to decide whetherto continue the attorney/client relationship beyond the pro bono consultation.
TRAINING: OSB provides free video training sessions and written materials covering specific legal issues addressed by SSCRA and applicable provisions of related areas of law.
OTHER: The state bar will maintain a list of pro bono attorneys and lawyers offering reduced fees who are available to assist Oregons mobilized service members and their dependents. The list will be available to both the National Guards JAG Corps and individual military personnel.

Oregon State Bar Problem Solvers Program *
P.O. Box 231935
16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd
Tigard, OR
97281-1935
Contact: Kay Pulju (503) 620-0222 ext. 402
Email: kpulju@osbar.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Volunteer panelists should expect to give at least 30 minutes of advice and counseling to Oregon youth. The program is available free of charge to any Oregon youth aged 11-17. Volunteers can specify the substantive practice area(s) they want to cover. The legal issues can run the gamut. However, the most common issues involve domestic relations, consumer law, criminal, employment, DMV and school discipline. The population served by this program generally has no access to legal services and little experience with courts and the justice system.
TRAINING: Written information provided.
OTHER: No PLF required. Volunteers receive free PLF coverage

St. Andrew Legal Clinic, Family Law *
807 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
Contact: Joel Overlund (503) 281-1500
Email: joverlund@salcgroup.org

232 NE Lincoln St. Ste. H
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Contact: Susana Alba (503) 648-1600
Email: salba@salcgroup.org

421 High St. #210
Oregon City, OR 97045
Contact: Elaine Hamm (503) 557-9800
Email: ehamm@salcgroup.org

OPPORTUNITIES: Provide intake and consultation services in the area of family law only in clinic setting.
TRAINING: Written information and on-site training. First visit spent observing only. Mentor attorneys available.
OTHER: PLF coverage not required for exempt attorneys; flexible time commitment, clinics held every Wednesday and alternate Tuesdays.

top