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Making a Difference: SALC helps bridge the gap for families who do not qualify for Legal Aid and can not afford to hire a private attorney. As a result of the legal representation that SALC provides, families have increased financial security, stay off of welfare and are overall more productive members of our society. And more children also grow up in positive and safe environments as a result of SALC's intervention.
Need: The Oregon State Bar conducted a study which concluded that there is an estimated 250,000 people in Oregon who are considered the “working poor” and in desperate need of legal services. The report also stated that “more services are needed in the area of family law, particularly in child custody and domestic violence cases.” St. Andrew Legal Clinic is described as filling an important gap in services for family law cases.
Services: Every potential client must first receive an initial legal consultation during a Night Clinic appointment where legal advice is provided and an estimate of what a case would cost if an SALC attorney is retained. (To make a consultation appointment please call the SALC office nearest you.)
Clients: Over 80% of SALC clients have incomes below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of clients make less than $24,000 a year and 37% make less than $9,600 annually. Clients support an average of 1.5 children per household (and often more dependents) on these incomes. Nearly 70% of SALC clients are women and 36% are minorities.
Staff and Volunteers: SALC has 14 full-time attorneys and over 100 volunteers who help individuals and families through some of the most emotionally challenging times in their lives. Clients are guided through the complex legal system with compassion and support.
Cost of Services: Night Clinic consultations are $35. If a family/individual decides to retain SALC, they are charged on a sliding fee scale based on their income and ability to pay. Generally, clients are responsible for a $550 upfront retainer and our hourly rate starts at $40 per hour. For cases involving special circumstances (i.e. domestic violence, child abuse) SALC may offer special financial assistance through the Legal Access Fund. For clients seeking "limited services", the cost is two times the hourly rate, due at time of service.
Funding: Over 40% of SALC's revenue comes from private funding sources including donations from individuals and companies as well as grants from local foundations (see SALC financials section). SALC receives no funding from the Campaign for Equal Justice.
Locations: SALC has three offices locations and serves low-income clients in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington Counties.
Multnomah County
Clackamas County
Washington County (also serving Columbia County)
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St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC) is a community-based non-profit organization that provides quality legal services, in the area of family law, to low-income individuals and families who might otherwise not have access to them. SALC opened its doors in 1979 and has served over 35,000 individuals and families since its inception.