SNOHOMISH COUNTY LEGAL SERVICES
Serving the Snohomish County community since 1983
Equal Justice for All in Snohomish County
The Mission of Snohomish County Legal Services (SCLS) is: Guiding people in poverty out of crisis by providing quality legal services. Our Vision is a world without barriers to justice. We use a hybrid model of service delivery that includes staff attorneys for immediate emergency assistance and highly complex cases, volunteer attorneys and paralegals for advice and legal representation, and a series of clinics and workshops that empower clients in self-advocacy and self-sufficiency.
We began in the early 1980’s as a program of the Snohomish County Bar Association to address the growing need for civil legal aid in the county. We have been an independent nonprofit organization since 1985. Contributions to SCLS may be tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Our Federal EIN is 91-1215739.
LEGAL HELP FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY RESIDENTS
Snohomish County Legal Services (SCLS) provides free civil legal aid services to eligible low-income residents of Snohomish County, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, primarily in the areas of Family Law, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Housing, and Wills for Seniors. Our staff and volunteer attorneys work with residents to understand their legal rights through our clinic offerings and presentations. In addition, SCLS can provide Full Legal Representation; Direct Representation; Unbundled Legal Services; and Advice and Counsel. Our goal is to provide information and education to empower those in need with self-advocacy and self-sufficiency. All clients must qualify for services, an Intake Form will be provided to each prospective client to complete and ensure eligibility. For those with limited English proficiency, we have the ability to provide interpreter services at no cost to the client.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY LEGAL SERVICES — SERVING OUR COMMUNITY IN NEED
The need for civil legal assistance amongst the poorest populations in Snohomish County is overwhelming. Snohomish is Washington’s third-most populous and fastest-growing county with more than 800,000 residents, at least 100,000 of whom have household incomes below 125% of the Federal Poverty level.
70%
More than 70% of low-income households in Washington State experience at least one civil legal problem every year, and the average number of legal problems per year is 9.3 per low-income household.
20
The average number of civil legal problems, for low-income victims of domestic or sexual violence, is almost 20 per year.
24%
Only 24% of those living in poverty and facing a civil legal issue are able to get help with their problem. The most prevalent issues are health care, consumer finance, housing, and employment.
Too many of our neighbors are unable to address life-changing legal issues, especially when the issues compound each other:
- Domestic and sexual violence victims
- Evictions and other housing issues
- Divorce and child custody
- Consumer credit and debt issues
- Bankruptcy
- Loss of employment
Snohomish County Legal Services promotes social justice by establishing and managing volunteer-based, client-focused civil legal services programs and providing services on an equal and non-discriminatory basis for low-income Snohomish County residents who would not otherwise receive civil legal assistance.
SCLS defines diversity as the inclusion of individuals who identify with groups historically discriminated against, and who continue to experience the effects of historical and current discrimination, or who are underrepresented in the legal profession including on the basis of disability, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. We are proud to be a member of the Alliance for Equal Justice in their mission to bring civil legal aid to people and communities that experience poverty and injustice.
Lack of meaningful access to legal services can exacerbate unemployment, homelessness, and family disintegration, placing significant additional burdens on social services and the community… and continuing the cycles of poverty.
WHY CIVIL LEGAL AID?
“Equal justice under the law” is a concept ingrained in the American conscience, rooted in the 14th Amendment, and even inscribed along the front façade of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington DC. Usually when people think of their rights to equal justice, they think of the 6th Amendment in the Bill of Rights that states we have the right to a speedy and fair trial, the right to an attorney, and so on.
But did you know that the 6th Amendment only applies if you are accused of a crime? “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” This is true if you are charged with a crime. But what if you are facing a legal problem that is NOT criminal in nature and you do not have the means to hire an attorney? Snohomish County Legal Services can help with your civil legal needs. Contact us by completing and submitting a request below.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLINICS
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
SCLS Volunteer
Donate to SCLS
CONTACT SNOHOMISH COUNTY LEGAL SERVICES
“We generally respond within 48 business hours depending on your situation. Due to volume and capacity it may take longer to receive a response. We appreciate your patience.”
DISCLAIMER: No Attorney-Client Relationship Created by Use of this Website: Neither your receipt of information from this website, nor your use of this website to contact SCLS or one of its attorneys creates an attorney-client relationship between you and SCLS. No Legal Advice Intended: The website includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. Third Party Websites; As a convenience, this website may provide links to third-party websites. Such linked websites are not under the control of SCLS and SCLS assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the contents of such websites.