About the Alliance
Civil Legal Aid
What is civil legal aid?
Civil legal aid is free legal advice, representation or other legal assistance provided to low-income and vulnerable people who have civil, not criminal, legal problems and cannot otherwise afford legal help. Services can be as simple as educating clients about their rights and responsibilities. Complex problems may require more extensive representation. For clients, these services mean the difference between hunger and food on the table, bankruptcy and economic stability, unemployment and productive work.
Why is civil legal aid important?
Fair and equal justice is a fundamental principal of our democracy. Our laws guarantee basic rights and protections for all of us – not just those who can afford a lawyer. In reality, three out of four low-income households in Washington face an urgent civil legal problem each year. Only 20 percent of those households receive legal help or representation. The consequences for these households can be severe.
What is the difference between civil and criminal legal issues?
Criminal issues involve an act in violation of penal law and are offenses against the State or United States. Some examples include theft, assault and some traffic offenses. Civil cases are usually between individuals, businesses, governmental bodies or other organizations. For example, landlord/tenant disputes, child custody, and predatory lending are all civil legal issues.
Low-income defendants in criminal cases are generally entitled to a free attorney. However, the right to legal counsel in civil cases has not been fully acknowledged; people with civil legal problems are rarely appointed an attorney if they cannot afford representation. This is why civil legal aid is such a critical resource.
For more information on the difference between criminal and civil legal issues visit the Washington Courts website.
Low-income defendants in criminal cases are generally entitled to a free attorney. However, the right to legal counsel in civil cases has not been fully acknowledged; people with civil legal problems are rarely appointed an attorney if they cannot afford representation. This is why civil legal aid is such a critical resource.
For more information on the difference between criminal and civil legal issues visit the Washington Courts website.
How can I stay up to date on issues impacting legal aid?
To keep informed on current issues regarding civil legal aid, sign up for the Alliance's Equal Justice Newsletter. When you sign up, you will also receive important legislative updates and action alerts.
How can I donate to legal aid?
The Campaign for Equal Justice is the unified annual giving drive that provides funding for Alliance members. LAW Fund is the organization that administrates the Campaign. Funds raised by the Campaign are distributed to civil legal aid programs statewide.
By giving to the Campaign, you are supporting the centralized effort to fund 26 legal aid throughout state of Washington. Wherever you live, the Campaign for Equal Justice reaches your neighbors and your community.
Make a gift to the Campaign for Equal Justice.
To keep informed on current issues regarding civil legal aid, sign up for the Alliance's Equal Justice Newsletter. When you sign up, you will also receive important legislative updates and action alerts.
How can I donate to legal aid?
The Campaign for Equal Justice is the unified annual giving drive that provides funding for Alliance members. LAW Fund is the organization that administrates the Campaign. Funds raised by the Campaign are distributed to civil legal aid programs statewide.
By giving to the Campaign, you are supporting the centralized effort to fund 26 legal aid throughout state of Washington. Wherever you live, the Campaign for Equal Justice reaches your neighbors and your community.
Make a gift to the Campaign for Equal Justice.