Moderate Means Program
Many of Washington's low- and moderate-income residents are unable to obtain legal assistance simply because they cannot afford it. Those moderate-income households who make too much to access traditional legal aid programs, yet who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, often find themselves with nowhere to turn for help.
To help address this gap in the justice system, the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) has partnered with the law schools at Seattle University, Gonzaga University, and the University of Washington to create the Moderate Means Program, a statewide reduced-fee lawyer referral program. As part of this new program, law students will screen and refer clients to lawyers who have signed up to participate. The WSBA is recruiting lawyers to provide reduced-fee legal assistance, to mentor less experienced lawyers, and to serve as CLE faculty.
Lawyer participation is open to all active WSBA members in good standing, and offers the following benefits:
- Help individuals and families in your community who could not otherwise access legal assistance
- Build your client base with free referrals for reduced-fee clients
- Learn new skills and expand your practice area through free and low-cost MCLE accredited training