Free Legal Aid in Oregon(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Oregon's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Legal Aid Services of Oregon and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Oregon through Legal Aid Services of Oregon (call 1-503-224-4086) or apply online at their website. Direct civil legal services for low-income Oregonians. Oregon Law Center handles systemic advocacy and policy work statewide. The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
Oregon Legal Aid Organization
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Website: lasoregon.org
Phone: 1-503-224-4086
Direct civil legal services for low-income Oregonians. Oregon Law Center handles systemic advocacy and policy work statewide.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/oregon-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Direct civil legal services for low-income Oregonians
Statewide policy advocacy and systemic legal services
Reentry Legal Services
Provides record expungement services in the Portland metro area
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement assistance — Oregon recently expanded eligibility and streamlined the process
Law School Clinics
Criminal justice reform, environmental, and animal law
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorney services across Oregon
Public Defender System
Statewide
Oregon has a statewide Office of Public Defense Services (OPDS) that contracts with public defender organizations and individual attorneys.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Call 1-503-224-4086 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Oregon Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Oregon?
- Contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon at 1-503-224-4086 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/oregon for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-452-7636 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Oregon?
- Most legal aid programs in Oregon require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Oregon?
- Yes. Legal Aid Services of Oregon — Expungement provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Oregon have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Oregon has a statewide Office of Public Defense Services (OPDS) that contracts with public defender organizations and individual attorneys. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-503-224-4086 for free civil legal assistance.
- Oregon LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Oregon residents.
- Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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