This month we are focusing on service-related agencies in King County.  In our role as law librarians, we often help patrons with complicated questions and issues that are beyond the scope of our services.  As the largest county in Washington, we are fortunate to have a wide range of outside organizations for possible referral.  I am going to highlight a few of these agencies. To find more programs go to http://www.nwjustice.org/links/ls_programs.html.

Family Law Courthouse Facilitator, Superior Court of King County
http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/familycourt/facilitator.aspx

The Family Law Facilitator Program at King County Superior Court provides information and referrals free-of-charge to family law litigants who are not represented by attorneys. Facilitators also provide checklists of forms for certain family law actions and help clients understand court rules and procedure.   Walk-in hours at the King County Courthouse in Seattle are Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 12:00pm.  At the Regional Justice, walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday 9:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00 to 4:00pm.

Protection Order Advocacy Program, King County Prosecuting Attorney
http://www.metrokc.gov/proatty/pop/index.htm

The Protection Order Program offers advocacy services to victims of domestic violence by a family or household member at the King County Courthouse, Maleng Regional Justice Center and Northeast District Court in Redmond.  The advocates provide assistance in filing emergency orders, crisis intervention, information and referrals to social service agencies, education and preparation prior to court hearings and advocacy during and after court hearings.

Lawyer Referral, King County Bar Association
http://www.kcba.org/lrs/

The Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals via a web-based form, email and phone.  For clients with a personal injury case, a workers compensation case, or an appeal of an SSI or SSD denial, the first consultation with the attorney is free. For other matters, the first half hour consultation is $35 payable by credit card. 

Neighborhood Legal Clinics, King County Bar Association
http://www.kcba.org/legalhelp/NLC/clients.aspx

The Neighborhood Legal Clinics meet at more than 20 locations throughout the county.   King County residents, regardless of income level, can make an appointment to meet individually with a volunteer attorney for up to 30 minutes of free legal advice and consultation on selected civil issues. The attorneys do not provide representation in court.  The King County Law Library is proud to host the Downtown Legal Clinic in Seattle on Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm.  The Law Library also hosts a walk-in clinic for the Housing Justice Project, another KCBA service project, on Mondays from 4-6pm.

CLEAR, Northwest Justice Project
http://www.nwjustice.org/

CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) is a toll-free telephone service for eligible low-income people to obtain free legal assistance with civil legal problems.  Low-income people with non-criminal legal problems outside King County are eligible to call the CLEAR hotline.  Seniors age 60 and over, regardless of income or county, can call the CLEAR*Sr hotline.  King County residents are NOT eligible to use CLEAR unless they qualify as a senior or if they live in King County but have a legal issue in another county.  The Northwest Justice Project also publishes many helpful publications on a variety of legal topics that are freely accessible on the WashingtonLawHelp.org website.  http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org

Tenants Union
http://www.tenantsunion.org/

The Tenants Union offers free help to eligible low-income tenants.  Tenants may call the Tenants Rights Hotline or stop by for an in-person consultation.  The Tenants Union website offers a wealth of information on renters’ rights, including sample letters.

Unemployment Law Project
http://www.unemploymentlawproject.org/

All temporarily unemployed workers in Washington are eligible to use the services of the Unemployment Law Project.  They do not charge a fee but suggest a donation be made if the case is successful.  The Unemployment Law Project represents claimants at unemployment appeals hearings and operates a telephone helpline to provide advice at any stage of the unemployment benefits process.

Domestic Abuse Women's Network
http://www.dawnonline.org/

DAWN provides a wide range of services for battered women and their children, primarily in South King County, including a 24-hour crisis line and a confidential shelter.  DAWN also provides information and access to resources to clients with legal issues such as protection orders, parenting plans, child support, visitation or custody, and divorce.

(Last Revision on 10/14/2009)