1. Statewide Legal Aid Organizations
- Northwest Justice Project (NJP)
- Washington’s largest provider of free civil legal services (housing, employment, family law, public benefits).
- Website: nwjustice.org
- CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014 (Statewide intake for low-income residents).
- Columbia Legal Services (CLS)
- Focuses on systemic advocacy for marginalized communities (immigrants, incarcerated individuals, workers’ rights).
- Website: columbialegal.org
- Phone: 1-800-723-3638 (Statewide intake).
- Legal Foundation of Washington
- Funds legal aid organizations across the state.
- Website: legalfoundation.org
2. Directories & Search Tools
- Washington LawHelp
- Search for legal aid by topic or county: lawhelp.org/washington.
- Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Low-cost consultations: wsba.org/for-the-public/legal-referrals.
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Directory
- Federally funded programs in WA: lsc.gov/find-legal-aid.
- Washington Courts Self-Help Center
- Forms, guides, and referrals: courts.wa.gov/selfhelp.
3. Hotlines
- CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014 (statewide legal aid intake).
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025 (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
- Tenant Rights Hotline: 1-888-211-9278 (Solid Ground’s Tenant Services).
- Senior Legal Hotline: 1-800-745-5177 (for residents 60+).
- Immigrant Legal Hotline: 1-800-445-5771 (Northwest Immigrant Rights Project).
4. Additional Resources
- 211 Washington: Dial 211 or visit wa211.org for community referrals.
- Pro Bono Programs:
- Volunteer Legal Services (VLS): kcba.org/vls (King County).
- Advocates for Equal Justice: advocateswa.org (statewide).
- Self-Help Centers:
- King County Bar Association Self-Help Plus: kcba.org/self-help.
- Spokane County Self-Help Center: spokanecounty.org/selfhelp.
- Immigrant & Refugee Resources:
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): nwirp.org.
- Washington Immigrant Advocacy Project: wiaprojekta.org.
- Native American Legal Aid:
- Native American Legal Services (via NJP): Contact CLEAR Hotline or tribal courts.
- Veterans’ Legal Assistance:
- Veterans Legal Clinic (Seattle University): law.seattleu.edu/clinics/veterans.
Note
Eligibility for free legal aid often depends on income, residency, and case type (e.g., eviction, domestic violence, public benefits). Many offices offer online intake forms (e.g., Northwest Justice Project Apply Online). For urgent issues (e.g., eviction, restraining orders), contact hotlines first. Tribal members should check with local tribal courts or NJP’s Native American Unit for specialized support. Let me know if you need help narrowing options!