Note 1: There is limited space for this clinic, but walk-ins may still be able to pick up document packets.
Note 2: It is not clear if the forms can be filed in Circuit Courts other than Multnomah County, but some are state and federal level forms, which would be useful outside of Multnomah County.
Note 3: PCC = Portland (Oregon) Community College
TED Talk: “How to Put the Power of Law in People’s Hands”
Summary:
“What can you do when the wheels of justice don’t turn fast enough? Or when they don’t turn at all? Vivek Maru is working to transform the relationship between people and law, turning law from an abstraction or threat into something that everyone can understand, use and shape. Instead of relying solely on lawyers, Maru started a global network of community paralegals, or barefoot lawyers, who serve in their own communities and break the law down into simple terms to help people find solutions….” [Link to Vivek Maru’s TED Talk Reading List, and link to more TED Talks on justice, law, and crime.]
There are lots of reasons people don’t like lawyers, which doesn’t help either side, but it shouldn’t be because the lawyer doesn’t know how to manage incoming calls:
From the always practical and interesting, Jim Calloway’s Law Practice Tips:
Richard Zorza & David Udell Article: New Roles for Non-Lawyers to Increase Access to Justice
You can also link to this article from the SRLN website or from Richard Zorza’s Access to Justice blog, where you will be able to find dozens, hundreds, of other practical and provocative articles on Access to Justice issues.
“The paralegal profession has evolved significantly since its origin in the 1970s. While paralegals originally assisted attorneys in a secretarial capacity by formatting legal documents, they have since assumed substantive roles in legal offices, the government and corporations both large and small. Little by little, paralegals have become savvier, more educated, and more professional. Today paralegals are fully contributing members of legal teams.
Back in the early days of the profession ….” [Link to Paralegal Studies Masters website for more information and the infographic.]
Hat tip to Law Librarian Blog.
Do you want more information about Limited License Legal Technicians:
1) Link to our previous post on the Washington State LLLT program.
2) Attend a Town Hall:
Washington State is the latest state to create a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) professional classification.
Find a Washington Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) Research Guide at the Gallagher Law Library. The Research Guide includes links to similar limited license initiatives in other states.
For an Oregon perspective, the December 2013 issue, page 12, of the Multnomah Lawyer has an article on the Washington State LLLT.
Lots of interesting posts on Richard Zorza’s Access to Justice Blog:
1) Guest Post from World Bank’s Paul Prettitore on Legal Aid in Jordan (10/10/13)
2) NYT Piece on Doctor “Mindfulness” has Major Implications for Lawyers and Judges (9/26/13)
From Richard Zorza’s Access to Justice blog:
California Bar Explores Joining Movement for Non-Lawyer Practice
California, Washington, and New York are featured in this article on the movement to allow people who cannot afford attorneys “to receive low-cost guidance in simpler legal matters by qualified non-lawyers.”
The American Bar Association (ABA) has issued their: 2012 Revised Version: ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services.
You can find a copy ($10) at the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals website. (Oregon attorneys can find a copy at the PLF website.)
Oregon Legal Research Blog