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General information
Law librarians can refer you to legal information that you may find helpful. Lawyers can answer legal questions and offer legal advice. They can advise you on what you should or should not do and what the laws mean for your situation. The library does not employ lawyers who can assist you.
Legal Voice has information about finding and paying for a lawyer in Washington State.
These referral sources can be used to help you find and work with a lawyer. The list is for civil cases only and not criminal cases.
Help based on income
Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program
CCVLP may help low-income Clark County residents with free advice or support in these areas of the law: parenting plans, divorce, domestic violence or sexual assault protection orders, minor guardianship, adult lay guardianship reporting, immigration, housing (tenant support), and eviction defense.
For housing issues (non-eviction or pre-eviction) call 360.334.4007 or email info@ccvlp.org
For eviction defense after you receive an eviction summons call 360.356.7872 or email evictiondefense@ccvlp.org
For all other legal problems call 360.695.5313 or email info@ccvlp.org
Walk-in help from non-attorneys includes free copies or document printing for court, help with e-filing, resource navigation, and eligibility determination. Walk-in help is available Monday-Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 1104 Main St, Vancouver. For housing and eviction go to Suite 212. For all other legal issues, go to Suite 1 (basement).
Attorneys are by appointment only.
Northwest Justice Project (NJP)
NJP has a statewide intake and screening service (CLEAR), with information and some legal advice over the phone. Learn more and apply online or call 1.888.201.1014. You can visit the Vancouver office Monday – Friday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm to see if you qualify for their free legal services. 1104 Main St, Suite 500, Vancouver, 360.693.6130
Tenants who are facing eviction can get help. Complete an online application or call 1.855.657.8387
The Foreclosure Prevention Unit offers free legal advice, including information about the Foreclosure Fairness Act’s mediation program, for eligible homeowners with income up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Call the Foreclosure Line 1.800.606.4819
Washington State Bar Association Moderate Means
This program accepts people whose income is 200-400% of the federal poverty guidelines. They only address consumer, family, unemployment benefits, and housing issues. Clients pay a reduced fee, and retainer amounts are set by the attorney.
Complete an online application at: WSBA Moderate Means Program Application for Service (preferred) or call 1.855.741.6930.
Washington LawHelp
Use the directory to find legal aid offices.
www.washingtonlawhelp.org/find-legal-help/directory
Help for seniors
Northwest Justice Project (NJP)
NJP has a statewide intake and screening service (CLEAR*Sr), with some legal advice over the phone for seniors 60+. Learn more and apply online or call 1.888.387.7111. Visit the Vancouver office Monday – Friday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm to see if you qualify for their free legal services. 1104 Main St, Suite 500, Vancouver
Specialty help
QLaw Foundation of Washington
QLaw offers legal clinics with volunteer attorneys. Their LGBTQ2S+ Legal Clinic allows you to schedule a phone consultation with an attorney. Their Transgender Legal Clinic allows you to meet with an attorney at a Zoom drop-in clinic welcoming gender diversity.
Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic (currently on hiatus)
Northwest Justice Project has a monthly clinic for queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth and adults seeking support with legal name and gender marker changes, including updating IDs and documents. Both in-person and Zoom meetings are available.
https://nwjustice.org/njp-events
Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care (LAARK)
LAARK offers free legal advice to kinship caregivers. They focus on minor guardianship, child custody, or other legal issues facing family friends and relatives raising children when parents are unable to.
https://www.kcba.org/?pg=LAARK
Help for all
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)
Use the Legal Directory link to search for attorneys by city or zip code that practice in the area of law you need. Use the "Advanced Search" option and set the License Status field to "Active."
Clark County Bar Association (CCBA)
The Find a Lawyer button allows you to search by zip code and mile radius for attorneys practicing in a particular area of the law.
Southwest Washington Lawyer Referral (sponsored by the Clark County Bar Association)
You can get a referral to a local attorney in the appropriate legal specialty who will consult with you for a reduced fee. Work after that is at the regular rate.
Call 360.695.0599 or email LRS@ccbawashington.org
www.ccbawashington.org/community-resources/southwest-washington-lawyer-referral
Virtual Legal Clinic
Meet with an attorney for a free 20-minute virtual appointment on Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
https://lawchat.navigatelawgroup.com
Help working with a lawyer
FindLaw.com, Guide to Hiring a Lawyer
Get help determining if and when you may want to hire a lawyer, and choosing the right lawyer for your situation.
Legal Voice, Working with a Lawyer
Learn how to work with a lawyer who is in private practice.
www.legalvoice.org/working-with-a-lawyer
Nolo.com, Attorneys' Fees: The Basics
How to understand lawyer fees when seeking legal advice from an attorney.
www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/attorneys-fees-basics-30196.html
Washington State Court Rules
The Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) that Washington lawyers must follow.