Provides consumer information, referrals and informal complaint resolution services for consumer complaints involving unfair and deceptive business practices.   Assistance includes informal complaint resolution and help directing inquiries and contacts to the appropriate agencies for assistance. Also provides consumer education through online and written materials and speakers who are able to address a variety of consumer protection issues. Topics include: -  Identity theft a private lawsuit may be necessary -  Debt management -  Refund rights   -  Scams -  Foreclosure -  Student loans   Offers options if the business disagrees with the complaint. Cannot compel a firm to resolve a complaint. Options: - Bring a legal action, such as in Small Claims Court. - A private lawsuit may be necessary if the amount claimed is over the limit handled by Small Claims Court. The state Consumer Protection Act allows the plantiff to recover the costs of bringing suit, including attorney’s fees if the suit is successful.

Services are provided by trained professional mediators who volunteer their time. Services include: - Face-to-face mediation - Conflict coaching for problems - Some simple negotiation over the telephone TYPES OF PROBLEMS THE CENTER WILL HANDLE: - Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) - Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, eviction prevention due to COVID, etc. ) - Real estate or personal property - Foreclosure mediation - Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc. ) - Employer/employee grievances - School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents - Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans - Other domestic problems not involving violence, restraining orders, or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance. TYPES OF PROBLEMS NOT HANDLED: - Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits, criminal defenses, will preparation, etc. - Issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse - Problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager. All clients must be able to keep agreements made

Provides MEDIATION services only. Does NOT mediate dissolutions (divorce) or child custody matters. Does NOT offer any legal advice. Parties voluntarily negotiate the settlement of their disputes with an impartial third party. The parties decide the outcome of the mediation, rather than a judge or arbitrator. The mediator serves to guide the process, mediators are second- and third-year law students under the supervision of law faculty. Typical mediation cases include: - Buyer/Seller - Real Estate Issues - Consumer/Business - Co-workers - Employer/Employee - Housemates/Roommates - Landlord/Tenant - Neighbors - Student/Staff - General Civil Litigation

Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: consumer, finance/debt, employment, housing, benefits. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic. Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.

Provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Provides legal advice for the following issues for low-income debtors: -  Lawsuits and issues related to debt collection -  Collection agency abuse -  Supplemental proceedings -  Garnishment -  Auto purchase or auto loan disputes -  Consumer scams -  Contracts/warranties -  Identity theft -  Predatory lending -  Student loans (federally subsidized or private) -  Overpayments to debt creditors -  Poor credit -  Debts to a landlord, or client is considering breaking their lease Does not assist clients with bankruptcy, but can help a client decide if bankruptcy is a good option. Interpreter services are available to assist non-English-speaking clients.

Utilities: Provides a consumer help line, online chat, and website for questions, comments or complaints for privately owned utilities serving the public.   Utilities include land line telephones, power, water, solid waste and natural gas suppliers, but not internet service. Regulates Puget Sound Energy, Avista, Pacific Power, Northwest Natural Gas and Cascade Natural Gas.   Can assist with billing disputes, service issues, disconnect notices, deposit requirements, and provide contact information for financial assistance agencies. May be able to help customers restore service by negotiating a payment plan with the utility company.   Moving Companies: Regulates in-state residential movers.   Provides a list of licensed movers, and can confirm whether a mover has a permit.   A mover with a UTC permit must comply with state safety, insurance and service standards.   They must perform their services at reasonable rates and within a reasonable time.   They are required to provide a free written estimate of the probable cost of the move, make an inventory list of property and assume some level of liability for loss or damage to belongings during a move.   Also regulates private ferries and radioactive waste disposal.

Assists with the following areas of family law:   -  Divorce, legal separation, invalidity, annulment -  Family law motions -  Child support modifications and adjustments -  Establishing parenting plans -  Parenting plan modifications -  Non-parental custody -  Temporary orders -  Restraining orders -  Guardianships    Provides information on how to begin certain family law actions, necessary forms and where to get them, as well as court rules and procedures.   Can explain legal terminology and will review documents for completeness, once they are filled out, but cannot fill out papers or tell clients how to fill them out. Limited referrals for legal consultation for low income pro ses.   Does not provide legal advice. Cannot assist with the following issues:   -  Adoptions -  Juvenile dependency -  Eviction -  Traffic citations -  Will and probate matters -  Bankruptcy -  Name changes -  Criminal charges   Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Assists with the following areas of family law:   -  Divorce, legal separation, invalidity, annulment -  Family law motions -  Child support modifications and adjustments -  Establishing parenting plans -  Parenting plan modifications -  Non-parental custody -  Temporary orders -  Restraining orders -  Guardianships    Provides information on how to begin certain family law actions, necessary forms and where to get them, as well as court rules and procedures.   Can explain legal terminology and will review documents for completeness, once they are filled out, but cannot fill out papers or tell clients how to fill them out. Limited referrals for legal consultation for low income pro ses.   Does not provide legal advice. Cannot assist with the following issues:   -  Adoptions -  Juvenile dependency -  Eviction -  Traffic citations -  Will and probate matters -  Bankruptcy -  Name changes -  Criminal charges   Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Provides legal information and advice for the following issues depending on attorney availability:   -  Auto accidents - Birth injuries -  Consumer law - Criminal defense -  Family law -  Finance -  Immigration -  Landlord-tenant law -  Medical negligence -  Personal injury -  Property law -  Worker's rights/wage claims

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening. Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Operates a legal clinic providing a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney (60 minutes if an interpreter or other accommodation is needed) Clinic is open to all, but particular focus is on providing culturally-informed legal services in a safe and welcoming environment to individuals who identify as African American or Black. This clinic is staffed primarily by attorneys of color. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney. Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.