Public Information
Help for the Public
Oregon lawyers contribute more than a million dollars annually to the Campaign for Equal Justice, to help fund Legal Aid offices around the state and ensure equal access to justice regardless of economic limitations. MBA members and local law firms contribute approximately an additional $40,000 with their dues and MBA activities, as well as hundreds of volunteer hours, to the MBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, the Senior Law Project, the Nonprofit Project, the Domestic Violence Project and the Bankruptcy Clinic, among several. The Young Lawyers Section provides practical services and produces helpful publications, like the Domestic Violence handbook and Youth Faces the Law handbook.www.ProtectOregonCourts.org is an MBA public education project on courts. The home page features information on court operation funding, conditions of court facilities statewide, eCourt and the judicial branch in general. Resources are available to the public, schools and the media.
Pro Bono Services
The Multnomah Bar Association cannot answer legal questions, provide legal assistance or refer you to an attorney. Please consider the following legal resources available in the community.Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: Available 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 503.684.3763 or visit the OSB website for details.
OregonLawHelp.org: Free legal information for Oregonians. Resources include downloadable pamphlets and lists of legal services available to the public. Available in nine languages.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon: Serves people with low income and seniors. Call the Multnomah County office at 503.224.4086 or visit the LASO website for more information or to contact a branch outside of Multnomah County.
Publications
There are a number of publications available for reference. Click on the following titles to view or download the PDF.Youth Faces the Law: A Juvenile Rights handbook
This is an excellent resource for anyone who works with youth. It offers practical legal information for minors and resources available to them. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish.Domestic Violence: A Guide to Your Rights
This handbook was designed to provide victims of domestic violence and service providers with information about domestic violence, available resources and victims' legal rights. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish.League of Women Voters' Pamphlet:
The Trial Jury In Oregon's State Courts: Where Oregonians share the power and the responsibility.
Community Law Week
The Young Lawyers Section Service to the Public Committee plans events for Community Law Week. This year's theme is Realizing the Dream: Equality for All with events that will take place April 27-May 2. Local citizens are encouraged to celebrate their freedom as Americans and take part in several Community Law Week events designed to expand awareness of our laws, justice system and the role that they play in our lives. The events include Legal Information Booths and Tell it to the Judge.
Free Legal Information Booths
On Saturday, April 27 from 12-4 p.m., two legal information booths will be available: one booth will be located at the Lloyd Center Mall, and a second booth will be located at the Multnomah County Library's Central Branch. Local citizens are encouraged to talk informally with attorneys and learn how to find legal assistance. The booths provide the public with general legal information and disseminate free brochures.
Tell it to the Judge
People will be given the opportunity to discuss their ideas, questions and concerns regarding our court system, face-to-face with local judges at Lloyd Center Mall on Saturday, April 27 from noon - 4 pm.
The YOUthFILM Project - May 2, 6:30 pm
This is a student filmmaking contest where students compete for prizes by producing short films. The 2013 YOUthFILM Project will hold a screening and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the Hollywood Theatre in Northeast Portland and prizes will be awarded.
If you have questions or comments please contact the MBA at 503.222.3275 or via email.
