ELAP is relaunching its Contract Attorney Network under a new name. Previously known as the “Low Bono Program,” we are renaming the program to reflect the work and attract attorneys to the network.
ELAP’s Contract Attorney Network pairs experienced private practice attorneys with clients who can’t afford a lawyer. Our contract attorneys receive a low hourly fee that is funded by ELAP grants. Clients pay no fee to participate.
We launched this program in 2020 to help meet the high need for legal help in King County due to the pandemic and economic crisis. Most clients receive between 10-20 hours of free legal services. Services vary based on individual client needs and may include drafting letters to landlords, preparing Domestic Violence Protection Order filings, or helping clients prepare for divorce trials. Last year more than 100 King County residents received critical civil legal help from ELAP’s 30 contract attorneys.
Now Recruiting Attorneys:
We are actively recruiting attorneys to help ELAP meet the overwhelming need right now for civil legal aid in King County. Our highest need is in family and housing law. ELAP is administering this program with funding from various agencies to provide contract attorney services to clients based on need through the end of 2022.
If you are interested in joining ELAP’s Contract Attorney Network:
- Email attorneynetwork@elap.org
- Call 425-465-4704
Qualifications:
You must be licensed to practice law in the state of Washington. We welcome a diverse range of attorneys from all backgrounds. ELAP’s contract attorneys must use a trauma-informed approach when working with our clients. To better serve clients in their preferred language, we offer interpretation services and have translated our program materials into 11 languages. Attorneys and LLLTs who speak these languages are in high demand: Amharic, Arabic, French, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.
Training:
ELAP provides free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars to our contract attorneys and LLLTs. Topics include family law, domestic violence, housing, and best practices in working with clients experiencing trauma, poverty, domestic violence, and homelessness. ELAP housing attorneys are also willing and available to mentor attorneys new to that area of the law.
Learn More:
Find more information at: elap.org/contract-attorneys
