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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

osbar.org/public/lrs|1-800-452-7636

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

Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Direct civil legal services for low-income Oregonians

Oregon Law Center

Statewide policy advocacy and systemic legal services

Reentry Legal Services

Metropolitan Public Defender — Record Relief

Provides record expungement services in the Portland metro area

Expungement & Record Clearing Programs

Legal Aid Services of Oregon — Expungement

Free expungement assistance — Oregon recently expanded eligibility and streamlined the process

Law School Clinics

Lewis and Clark Law School — Criminal Justice Reform Clinic

Criminal justice reform, environmental, and animal law

Pro Bono Programs

Oregon State Bar Pro Bono

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. 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. 2

    Complete intake screening

    Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.

  3. 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. 4

    Receive legal help

    Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.

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

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Legal aid eligibility, programs, and services change periodically. Contact the organizations listed above for exact current availability. For immediate help, call 211 or visit 211.org.