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Volunteer Opportunities
PRO BONO PROJECTS
If you’re interested in volunteering for any of the topics listed below, select your preferred region, then fill out the popup form. Thank you for taking an interest in volunteering!
Bankruptcy is a powerful tool that allows people experiencing financial difficulties to obtain the relief necessary for a fresh start to their lives. Volunteer attorneys help low-income debtors assess debt relief options based on their specific situation. Attorneys provide ongoing representation in a Chapter 7 when filing bankruptcy would be appropriate.
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Studies calculate that 43.9% of households (132.1 million people) lack the savings to cover basic expenses for 3 months if unemployment, a medical emergency, or other crisis leads to a loss of stable income. Volunteer attorneys provide advice, brief service, or representation for low-income clients with issues related to debt collection, repossession, garnishment, and other consumer issues.
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Over 1.4 million people in Oregon have a criminal record. Expungement helps reduce barriers to safe housing, employment, and education, which in turn reduces recidivism. Oregon’s new law makes it easier to clear a criminal record. Volunteer attorneys review the client’s criminal record, determine eligibility for expungement, and, for those eligible, complete the paperwork for the client to file pro se.
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In Oregon, 67-86% of family law case involve at least one self-represented party; the majority of whom cannot afford a lawyer. Many of these cases involve domestic violence creating a higher likelihood of an inequitable settlement or judgment. Depending on experience, volunteer attorneys may assist clients with completing family law forms or provide discrete legal advice and review documents.
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In eviction cases nationwide, an estimated 90% of landlords have legal representation while only 10% of tenant are represented by an attorney. Without representation, the majority of tenants lose their cases and are ultimately evicted. Legal representation keeps renters in their homes, benefits whole communities by preventing homelessness, and helps preserves affordable housing. Volunteer attorneys review and advise tenants on the validity of notices of termination and possible defenses, assist tenant with unrefunded rental deposits and damage charges, and advocate for tenants’ rights.
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The 2018 Barriers to Justice noted that Native Americans are 1.9 times more likely to experience an elder law or disability-related issue, such as homelessness. In 14 of the 17 categories surveyed, Native Americans experience problems at higher rates than non-Native people. Volunteer attorneys provide assistance statewide on a diverse range of matters, including consumer law and fair debt collection issues, family law, landlord/tenant, public benefits, elder law, and estate planning for clients with assets involving federal or tribal jurisdiction. Native American Program Legal Aid Services (NAPOLS) represents Native clients in tribal, state, and federal courts, as well as in administrative proceedings, on issues specific to an individual’s Native status.
Oregon is facing a rapidly aging population that economists have called a “Silver Tsunami.” 24.2% of the Oregon population is aged 60 or over and growing. 11.9% of seniors aged 65+ live alone with a median household income of only $44,699. Volunteer attorneys assist seniors over the age of 60 with a variety of civil, elder law issues, which may include: simple estate planning, wills, powers of attorney, advanced directives, and consumer issues, such as debt collection.
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Unemployment insurance (UI) is the sole means of temporary wage replacement for workers and is critical in preventing individuals and families from spiraling into poverty. Volunteer attorneys provide legal advice to low-income claimants and may represent claimants at an administrative hearing for denial of unemployment benefits and workplace discrimination and harassment.
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There are more than 283,000 Veterans in Oregon making up 8.7% of the total state population. 24% of Oregon veterans have a service-related disability and more than 53,000 veterans live in a home with a major problem of housing problem of quality. Volunteer attorneys assist veterans with a variety of civil legal issues including expungement, housing, and consumer.
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