The Commons Law Center

Mission

Our mission is to provide legal help for everyday people - because no one should be denied the right to timely and affordable access to justice.

Bottom Line for Portland

In 2016, the founders of The Commons Law Center identified an alarming need for affordable civil law services. We found many Oregonians were over-qualified for legal aid services but could not comfortably afford an attorney. We set out to expand access to legal help through education, representation and support for everyday Oregonians. Since then we have provided legal services to over 2000 people in Oregon and expanded our programs in the following ways:
 

We have developed an affordable and accessible legal coaching and limited scope model to empower people facing Family Law issues in divorce and custody. 
 

Our Tenant Eviction Defense team, consisting of four attorneys and two paralegals, assists upwards of 80% of the in-person morning eviction docket every week in Multnomah County.
 

We help low-income Oregonians plan for their futures and handle their loved ones’ affairs with our Estate Planning & Probate program. In partnership with the African American Alliance for Homeownership, we offer free estate plans for Black Portlanders. 
 

With your support we can fully support & expand our programs and ensure greater access to justice.

Quote

"Thank you for being in court at first appearances. The Commons Law Center is a real blessing to tenants like me going into court with no resources and no attorney! Special thanks to Kamron, Julia, and Amy who helped walk me through the next steps, negotiating with the landlord's council and filing my "answer to trial" forms. Thanks for your good help friends, you're doing very good work <3” - Tenant facing eviction in Multnomah County

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At The Commons Law Center, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the core of our mission. We believe that access to justice should be a fundamental right for all, regardless of income, background, or circumstance. Our Homeownership Asset Preservation program (in partnership with the African American Alliance of Homeownership) as well as our free eviction defense clinic demonstrates our commitment to serving the most disadvantaged communities in the Portland Metro area.

Incentives

The first 25 people to donate $25 will receive a coupon for a free large pizza at Atlas Pizza

The week of November 18th, the first person to donate $50 to both The Commons and Growing Gardens will receive a year membership to Lan Su Garden

The week of November 25th, the first two people to donate $25 or more will receive a $50 coupon to Shake Shack

The week of December 9th, anyone who donates $25 will enter to win a $50 gift card to Limelight Salon. Two chances to win!

On December 12th, The Commons will be holding a fundraiser at Advice Booth. We'll have a raffle including amazing prizes from Surf's Pup Dog Care, Portland Center Stage, and Advice Booth!

The week of December 16th, the band Guster is offering an amazing package for their February 12th show: two tix, merch and a meet and greet with the band! Anyone who donates $100 will enter to win this incredible experience

The week of December 23rd, anyone who donates $50 will enter to win two tix to a Timbers FC game, worth $120

The final week of Give!Guide, December 23rd - December 31st, the first $5,000 raised will be matched by Michael Fuller, J.D. at Underdog Law Office

Partner(s)

Thank you to our non-profit partners Northwest Pilot Project, Rose Haven, Growing Gardens, p:ear, Meals on Wheels People, and Sisters of the Road  for collaborating with us to spread the word about The Commons Law Center and the vital legal services we provide.
 

Thank you to our business partners Lan Su Gardens, Atlas Pizza, Surf’s Pup Dog Care, Portland Timbers, Portland Center Stage, Limelight Salon, Guster Band, and Shake Shack for generously gifting us a variety of goodies and experiences for our supporters.