A star (*) indicates the program is certified by the OSB. Attorney volunteers for OSB-certified programs are covered by PLF insurance and do not need independent coverage on their pro bono cases. Many of the programs listed below provide training materials and mentors to assist new volunteers. Visit the Oregon State Bar website for a list of opportunities outside the Portland area.
New program submissions and updates to the following information may be sent to ryan@mbabar.org.
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Bankruptcy Clinic*
Legal Aid Services of Oregon-Volunteer Lawyers Project
The Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Section and LASO sponsor this project. The project consists of two components, a bankruptcy class and a legal clinic during which volunteer attorneys each meet with two clients for 30-minute appointments. Anyone may attend the 45-minute class, which is taught by a member of the bankruptcy bar or bench. Volunteer attorneys meet with clients, help them assess whether bankruptcy is appropriate, and if so, provide ongoing representation in a Chapter 7. The clinic occurs in the evening and alternates between sites in Beaverton, east Portland and downtown Portland. Attorneys may also sign up for direct client referrals and phone consults. An online CLE and written training materials are available at www.oregonadvocates.org.
Contact: Jill Mallery, 503.224.4086, jill.mallery@lasoregon.org.
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East homes will be affordable not only to the first homebuyer, but to buyers in the future through an Affordability Covenant. Habitat believes it is important for homebuyers to review the affordability documents with a neutral third party to answer questions about the documents. Habitat is looking for volunteer attorneys who will review the Affordability Covenant, Warranty Deed and Trust Deed with the homebuyers. Meetings will last approximately ninety minutes. Habitat will provide an interpreter when needed. Habitat will provide an overview of the documents and answer any questions for the attorneys before homebuyer meetings.
Contact: Loretta Kelly, 503.287.9529 x34, loretta@habitatportlandmetro.org.
Housing Notice Clinic*
Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Volunteer Lawyers Project
Volunteer attorneys provide self-represented litigants advice on their rental termination notice. The attorney will review a client’s housing termination notice and determine whether the notice is valid or defenses exist using a comprehensive check-list. Attorneys sign up in advance for a specific week to receive a direct referral. Training and materials are available.
Contact: Jill Mallery, 503.224.4086, jill.mallery@lasoregon.org.
Low Income Tax Clinic*
El Programa Hispanico Catolico
Serves low income Latinos and other low income taxpayers who have a problem with the IRS and any related state tax issues. Volunteer attorneys provide advocacy and representation before the IRS or in court on tax collection disputes, audits and a variety of other federal tax issues. Lawyers can receive basic tax-law training, advocacy skills, exposure to case management, and mentorship by an Oregon-licensed attorney. Spanish speakers are in high demand, but translation services will be provided as needed.
Contact: 503.489.6828.
Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts*
Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is a non-profit organization that supports the Oregon creative community by providing a monthly pro bono legal clinic, workshops, and other resources to low income creatives and small arts organizations. OVLA is searching for volunteers whose skills and interests coincide with this mission, whether as an attorney interested in volunteering for the clinic or presenting at workshops, or someone with great administrative skills, a social media expert, or a dynamic fundraising assistant. Fill out the Volunteer Application to sign up.
Contact: Jedidiah Chavez, 503.768.6946, jed@oregonvla.org.
Pround Ground
Active in OR and WA, the nonprofit creates affordable homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers using the Community Land Trust model. Proud Ground is in need of real estate lawyers to meet with homeowners to explain transaction documents. The time investment is typically one to two hours per homeowner.
Contact: Jackie Keogh, 503.493.0293 x19, jackie@proudground.org.
Small Business Legal Clinic
Lewis & Clark Law School
The SBLC pro bono project provides opportunities for business transaction lawyers to meet with clients at the SBLC. 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. Opportunities include helping clients with entity selection and entity creation, contract review and drafting, debt problems, business financing, employment law, compliance with consumer, licensing and regulatory issues and copyright and trademark registration.
Contact: Julieanna Elegant, 503.768.6947, jelegant@lclark.edu.
Statewide Tax Clinic*
Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Volunteer Lawyers Project
The Statewide Low Income Taxpayer Clinic provides advice and representation to low income clients who have a tax controversy with the IRS or the Department of Revenue. Pro bono tax cases are referred through a listserve where basic case information is posted. An attorney interested in taking the case responds to the email and conflict checking information is provided. Cases cover a range of state and federal personal income tax issues including collections, examinations (audits), innocent spouse claims, and tax court cases. Volunteer opportunities are also available for recent graduates and new members of the Bar.
Contact: Guillermo Ramos, 503.224.4086, guillermo.ramos@lasoregon.org.
Tax Clinic*
Lewis & Clark Law School
Assist and mentor students in the representation of low-income clients in tax controversies with the IRS. Backup assistance provided by clinical professors. Time commitment varies.
Contact: Jan Pierce, 503.768.6500, pierce@lclark.edu.
Immigration Legal Services*
Catholic Charities of Oregon
Pro bono attorneys represent adult and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other serious crimes for immigration relief. CCILS conducts in-person trainings for pro bono attorneys and has a training video to send to attorneys unable to attend an in-person training. Once a pro bono attorney receives training and has taken a client referral, CCILS is available to provide ongoing mentoring and technical assistance.
Contact: Sarah Purce, Assistant Director, 503.688.2712, spurce@CatholicCharitiesOregon.org.
There are also pro bono volunteer opportunities in the CCILS office. In-office volunteers work on a variety of types of immigration cases, including family-based petitions and applications for lawful status for victims of crime and domestic violence. Work may include preparing application packets and cover letters, direct client communications, and responding to agency requests. Volunteers work under the supervision of a Catholic Charities legal representative. Ability to speak Spanish is an asset but is not a requirement. Must be able to commit to a regular schedule of at least 12 hours per week during regular office hours.
Contact: Lakota Bowen, Volunteer Coordinator, 503.688.2704, ilsvolunteers@ccoregon.org.