Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Portland, OR

Access to Justice for All Oregonians

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is a non-profit law firm driven by a powerful mission: to achieve justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of civil legal help. The Portland Regional Office, located in the historic American Bank Building, serves as a lifeline for thousands of residents who cannot afford private counsel. LASO handles critical cases that affect the basic necessities of life-housing, safety, and food. Whether helping a domestic violence survivor secure a protective order or defending a family against an illegal eviction, the attorneys at LASO provide high-quality legal representation to level the playing field. As a public interest law firm, they do not charge fees for their services, ensuring that the legal system is accessible not just to the wealthy, but to everyone.

Critical Legal Assistance

LASO focuses on high-priority areas of civil law where legal intervention can prevent homelessness, abuse, and poverty:

• Housing Law: Defending tenants against eviction, challenging sub-standard housing conditions, and fighting housing discrimination to prevent homelessness.
• Domestic Violence: Representing survivors in restraining order hearings and complex custody disputes to ensure their physical safety.
• Public Benefits: helping individuals access and keep essential benefits like SNAP (food stamps), SSI/SSDI, and the Oregon Health Plan when they have been wrongfully denied.
• Senior Law: Assisting older adults with issues involving abuse, healthcare access, and housing stability.
• Taxpayer Clinic: Resolving disputes with the IRS for low-income taxpayers through the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Located in the American Bank Building

The Portland Regional Office is situated on the 9th floor of the American Bank Building at 621 SW Morrison Street. This stunning historic skyscraper, overlooking Pioneer Courthouse Square, places Legal Aid right in the civic heart of Portland. The central location is critical for accessibility, as it is the hub of the region’s transit system. The office is designed to be a safe and welcoming space for clients who are often facing crisis situations. Note that intake is often handled by phone due to high demand, so checking the schedule is recommended.

‘Justice is not for sale.’ Legal Aid’s work is vital to the health of the community. By enforcing the laws that protect the vulnerable, they ensure that rights are a reality for everyone, regardless of income.

How to Access Services

Legal Aid services are in high demand:

• Eligibility: Services are generally available to those with incomes below 125% of the federal poverty level, though exceptions exist for seniors and domestic violence survivors.
• Intake Process: Legal help is not walk-in; clients must go through an intake process, typically by phone during specific hours, to determine eligibility and the nature of their legal problem.
• Language Access: LASO is committed to serving all Oregonians and provides interpretation services for clients who speak languages other than English.

If you are facing a civil legal crisis and cannot afford a lawyer, Legal Aid Services of Oregon may be able to help. Contact the Portland Regional Office during intake hours to see if you qualify for assistance.