In 1978, only two years after being admitted to the Oregon Bar, Evans joined a small group of volunteer attorneys to start Legal Aid’s first pro bono project – Senior Law Program. Forty-four years later, Evans still volunteers every month covering a monthly shift through one of our senior center partners where he meets with up to six senior clients in Multnomah County to assist them with their civil legal needs.

Over 2,400 clients have benefited from Evans’ continued support. Through his service, he has advised clients pro bono that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford an attorney. He has prepared countless wills, POAs, and Advanced Directives and has also assisted clients with collections, employment, landlord-tenant, housing, consumer, bankruptcy, public benefits, guardianship/conservatorship, and tax issues.

In addition to helping seniors one-on-one through the clinics, Evans also mentors new volunteers, served as board chair of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, offered legal assistance for the Coast Guard, and is a generous supporter of the Multnomah Bar Foundation. Maya Crawford Peacock, Executive Director of the Campaign for Equal Justice, says of Evans, “He understands that in order to maintain the integrity of our justice system, it must be accessible to everyone.”

Evans says, “Helping people is the heart of the Senior Law Project. Every once in a while, circumstances work out that you can do something substantial for a client.” Evans provides high quality assistance in a kind professional manner. He takes the time to really listen to the concerns of his senior clients. Evans Van Buren’s remarkable dedication to pro bono service has greatly benefited his community.