The King County Bar Association (KCBA) Pro Bono Services department is dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all residents of King County. Through a network of over 1400 volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and community members, KCBA provides crucial free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families within the King County area.
KCBA is committed to inclusivity and non-discrimination. Services are provided without regard to disability, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national/ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. Everyone deserves fair access to legal support, and KCBA strives to uphold this principle through its various programs and initiatives.
For those seeking guidance on a range of legal matters, KCBA offers several avenues for support. Below are key areas where Provided Lawyers and volunteers offer their expertise:
General Legal Advice through Neighborhood Legal Clinics
Navigating the legal system can be daunting. The Neighborhood Legal Clinics (NLC) offer a valuable starting point by providing free 30-minute consultations with provided lawyers across 34 locations in King County. These clinics also feature specialists in areas like debt, bankruptcy, and family law. Attorneys at NLC clinics will help you understand if you have a legal issue, discuss potential options, and connect you with relevant resources and referrals. It’s important to note that NLC offers limited legal services and does not provide court representation. However, it’s an excellent first step to access legal guidance from provided lawyers.
Debt and Bankruptcy Support
Facing debt or considering bankruptcy can be overwhelming. The Neighborhood Legal Clinics extend their services to offer specialized consultations in debt and bankruptcy law. If you are struggling with financial hardship, these free 30-minute sessions with provided lawyers can offer clarity and direction on how to manage your situation and explore available legal options.
Family Law Assistance and Resources
Family law matters can be emotionally and legally complex. KCBA provides several programs to assist individuals navigating these challenges.
Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project (DV LEAD)
For survivors of domestic violence in King County who are facing protection order or family law proceedings and have limited financial resources, DV LEAD offers crucial assistance. This project connects survivors with provided lawyers to help them navigate the legal system and secure their safety and well-being.
Kinship Care Solutions Project
When relatives or other caregivers are seeking guardianship of a child, the Kinship Care Solutions Project offers free legal advice and representation. Understanding the legal process of guardianship is vital, and this project ensures provided lawyers are available to guide caregivers through each step.
Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care (LAARK)
For kinship caregivers across Washington state, LAARK provides valuable legal advice over the phone. If you are a caregiver with questions about a child in your care, LAARK can connect you with provided lawyers for guidance. While LAARK does not offer court representation, it is an excellent resource for accessing legal information and support remotely.
Neighborhood Legal Clinics for Family Law
General family law questions can also be addressed at the Neighborhood Legal Clinics. These clinics provide free 30-minute consultations with family law attorneys, offering accessible legal advice within your community from provided lawyers.
Self Help-Plus Program
For individuals handling non-contested divorces, parenting plans, and child support cases (where paternity is already established), the Self Help-Plus Program offers assistance. This program is designed to support those navigating simpler family law processes without contest, ensuring they have access to the necessary legal guidance and resources.
Housing Justice Project
Housing instability is a significant concern for many low-income residents. The Housing Justice Project (HJP) provides free legal help to eligible low-income tenants in King County who are facing eviction. Access to provided lawyers through HJP can be crucial in protecting tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness.
Vacating Criminal Records through The Records Project
Past criminal convictions can create barriers to employment and housing. The Records Project offers free legal services to eligible individuals in King County seeking to vacate criminal convictions. Vacating a conviction removes it from public background checks, opening doors to opportunities. This project focuses on assisting individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, connecting them with provided lawyers to navigate the record vacation process.
Additional Community Resources
For further information and resources beyond these specific programs, KCBA also provides a Community Resources Page. This page serves as a central hub to discover other helpful services and organizations within King County.
By offering a wide range of free legal services and connecting residents with provided lawyers, the King County Bar Association Pro Bono Services department plays a vital role in promoting justice and equity within the community.
