St. Andrew Legal Clinic – Portland, OR

Bridging the Justice Gap Since 1979

St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC) is a cornerstone of the Portland legal community, dedicated to providing affordable family law services to low-income families. Founded in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens and parishioners, the clinic was established to address a critical need: helping those who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but not enough to afford a private attorney. This ”justice gap” leaves many vulnerable individuals without representation in complex legal matters. SALC fills this void by offering high-quality legal counsel on a sliding scale based on income and family size. While the clinic has roots in the St. Andrew Catholic Church community, it is an independent non-profit that serves clients of all faiths and backgrounds. Their mission is to preserve the rights and dignity of the working poor, ensuring that financial hardship does not equate to a lack of justice.

Compassionate Family Law Services

The clinic focuses exclusively on family law, addressing the most personal and difficult legal challenges:

• Divorce and Separation: Guiding clients through the dissolution of marriage, ensuring equitable distribution of assets and fair support arrangements.
• Child Custody and Parenting Time: Advocating for the best interests of children in custody disputes, helping parents establish stable visitation schedules.
• Domestic Violence Protection: Prioritizing the safety of survivors by securing Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) restraining orders and providing legal support to escape abusive relationships.
• Child Support: Helping parents establish, modify, or enforce child support orders to ensure children are financially supported.
• Adoption and Guardianship: Assisting families in navigating the legal procedures to provide permanent, loving homes for children.

Community-Driven Advocacy

St. Andrew Legal Clinic is powered by a small staff of dedicated attorneys and a robust network of volunteer lawyers and law students. They operate with a philosophy of empowerment, believing that stabilizing a family’s legal situation leads to broader community health. The clinic conducts initial consultations for a nominal fee (often $50), where clients receive an assessment of their case and a quote for services based on their ability to pay. Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood, the clinic provides a welcoming and safe environment for individuals in crisis. By choosing SALC, clients not only receive expert legal help but also support an organization that has been a lifeline for Oregon families for over four decades.