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 6,500 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 three 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

"I had an amazing experience with the staff from Commons Law Center. I fell on financial hardship this year and had to go to eviction court. Ew. I have never had to deal with anything like this matter before, so I showed up to court to represent myself with no knowledge of the law.

"Luckily, when I arrived, the very nice staff from Commons Law Center were there and assisted my with my case. They helped me understand the process and gave me info regarding next steps after my hearing.

"I would highly recommend this company! They are very kind, professional, and knowledgeable."

Incentives

November 9th - 16th: The 5th person to donate $15 or more will get a $50 gift card to Mama & Hapa Zero Waste Shop

November 17th - 23rd: First two people to give $25 or more will receive a $50 gift card to Limelight Salon

November 24th - November 30th: Anyone who gives $25 or more will enter to win a $50 giftcard to Hey Love

December 1st - 7th: Anyone who donates $50 or more will enter to win 6 tickets to Helium Comedy Club

Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, come to Rose Haven for a community event including tabling, panel and raffle! Enter to win 4 certificates for a Private Winery Tour and Tasting at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

December 8th - 14th: The third person to donate $25 will win a gift card to Delicious Donuts

December 15th - 21st: The first person this week to donate $100 will receive a $85 gift card to the Golf and Game Simulator for up to 16 people for 1-hour at Birdie Time Pub

Partner(s)

Nonprofit Partners

We're also happy to partner with fellow nonprofits Rose Haven, Clackamas Womens Services, p:ear, and William Temple House this year! We're honored to be in a cohort with such inspiring and impactful organizations. 

Business Partners

Thank you to our business partners for gifting such generous offerings to our donors! Thank you to

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Mama & Hapa Zero Waste Shop, Limelight Salon, Helium Comedy Club, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Delicious Donuts, Hey Love and Birdie Time Pub!