Lane County Law and Advocacy Center

The Lane County Law and Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization located in Eugene, Oregon, dedicated to providing legal assistance and advocacy services to the low-income community in Lane County. The organization focuses on addressing critical legal issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in areas such as family law, domestic violence, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer rights, public benefits, and elder law.

Mission and Services

The center's mission is to ensure that low-income individuals and families have access to civil legal services. It collaborates with other local legal services providers to deliver comprehensive assistance across various legal domains. The organization's efforts are often prioritized based on client needs assessments to maximize impact.

Areas of Law

Key areas in which the Lane County Law and Advocacy Center provides assistance include:

• Family and Juvenile Law: This encompasses issues such as divorce, child custody, and other family-related legal matters.
• Housing Law: Assistance with landlord-tenant disputes and public housing issues is a significant part of their work.
• Public Benefits: This includes assistance with government benefits like Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, and food stamps.
• Domestic Violence: Providing legal support to victims of domestic violence is a core part of their services.
• Elder Law: The organization engages volunteer attorneys to address the unique legal needs of seniors in Lane County through its Senior Law Service program.

Populations Served

The center primarily serves low-income individuals and families, as well as specific populations such as:

• Domestic Violence Victims: Providing legal aid and support to those affected by domestic violence.
• Elderly: Offering specialized legal services tailored to the needs of seniors.
• Low-Income Families: Addressing legal issues that disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged families.

Volunteer Opportunities

The organization offers volunteer opportunities for lawyers and law students, providing flexible hours for participation. Volunteers can engage in various projects, including client counseling, drafting legal documents, and litigation. However, malpractice insurance is not provided for volunteers, nor is there a requirement for specific training or a mandated caseload.

Overall, the Lane County Law and Advocacy Center plays a critical role in ensuring that underserved communities in Lane County have access to essential legal assistance.