Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Seattle

If you are a survivor of domestic violence in Seattle or King County, legal issues may include protection orders, custody, divorce, housing, immigration, and navigating safety in legal systems. Fortunately, several legal aid, advocacy, and pro bono programs in Seattle and Washington State support survivors — often for free or sliding scale. This guide outlines key providers, their services, and how to reach them safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Seattle / King County

1. Northwest Justice Project (NJP)

Website: nwjustice.org nwjustice.org
Services:

• NJP is Washington State’s major civil legal aid provider, offering free legal assistance in noncriminal matters (housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits) for eligible low-income residents. nwjustice.org

• They operate the CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) hotline — a statewide intake line providing legal education, advice, self-help materials, and referrals to legal help. FindLaw+1

• In Seattle / King County, NJP helps survivors get Protection Orders (Domestic Violence Protection Orders), divorce and custody in domestic violence–related cases, and safety-related legal issues. (Through their family safety / domestic violence units)

How to Access:

• Call the CLEAR hotline: 1-888-201-1014 or via 211 (in many counties) opd.wa.gov+1

• On their website, complete an online intake or review self-help forms and guides. nwjustice.org+1

2. Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP)

Website: elap.org Eastside Legal Assistance Program
Services:

• ELAP provides free civil legal services in King County (especially Eastside / suburban areas) including family law, domestic violence, housing, and public benefits. Eastside Legal Assistance Program+1

• They assist domestic violence survivors, having empowered hundreds of survivors through legal help (e.g. protection orders, divorce, custody). Eastside Legal Assistance Program

• Offers legal advice clinics, workshops, webinars, and case referrals. Eastside Legal Assistance Program

3. King County Bar Association – Pro Bono / Neighborhood Legal Clinics

Website / Info via Seattle Public Library page spl.org
Services:

• KCBA runs Neighborhood Legal Clinics where low-income residents can receive free legal consultations, often including civil matters such as family law, protection orders, and domestic violence issues. Kern County Bar Association+2spl.org+2

• Their Pro Bono Services Department also matches volunteer attorneys to represent low-income clients in various civil legal areas, including domestic violence and family law. FindLaw

• You can get half-hour free consultations at clinics to understand your rights and next steps. FindLaw

4. Project DVORA – Jewish Family Service Seattle

Website: jfsseattle.org, “Project DVORA” jfsseattle.org
Services:

• Advocates assist survivors of intimate partner violence with legal navigation, paperwork, safety planning, court accompaniment, and limited legal counsel. jfsseattle.org

• Their staff includes an attorney who may offer one-time consultation or (in limited capacity) full representation for family law / protection order cases. jfsseattle.org

• They also help survivors through referrals to full legal aid or pro bono representation when needed. jfsseattle.org

5. Seattle City Attorney’s Office – Domestic Violence Unit / Advocates

Website: seattle.gov, “Domestic Violence Help” Seattle
Services:

• The Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes misdemeanor domestic violence offenses under Seattle Municipal Code and partners with victim advocates to support survivors. Seattle

• Victim advocates work in collaboration with prosecutors to assist survivors, coordinate with legal services, and help navigate criminal and civil processes. Seattle

• While the unit doesn’t provide full civil representation, advocates can help you find legal referrals, assist in safety planning, and accompany survivors through system processes.

6. Other Related / Supporting Organizations

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) — for immigrant survivors: helps with immigration legal relief (e.g. VAWA, U-Visa, asylum) in Washington State. en.wikipedia.org

• Sexual Violence Law Center (SVLC) — supports survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; some legal matters (e.g. protection orders, privacy, civil claims) may overlap with DV issues. svlawcenter.org

• Solid Ground (Seattle) — a multi-service agency offering legal services, advocacy, domestic violence support, housing and benefits assistance among their programs. en.wikipedia.org

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Seattle / King County

1. Use a safe device / browser (e.g. incognito mode) so your abuser cannot monitor your online searches or browsing history.

2. Call from a safe line (not the abuser’s phone); ask providers if they can call you back instead.

3. Ask whether remote / virtual legal intake or consultation is available (many legal aid organizations offer phone or online intake).

4. Prepare documentation (if safe): police reports, photos, texts/emails, prior court orders, IDs. Upload or bring them securely.

5. Clear browsing or call logs after accessing legal sites, especially if your device is monitored.

6. If you must attend in person, choose daytime hours and a neutral location; consider bringing a trusted friend for support.

7. Use advocacy services (e.g. DV advocates) to accompany you to court or legal meetings when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these legal services completely free?
Yes — the legal aid and pro bono programs listed above provide free or low-cost legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence, particularly for civil issues like protection orders, family law, and safety matters (not criminal defense).

2. Can undocumented or immigrant survivors get help?
Yes. Programs like NWIRP, NJP, and some legal aid providers assist survivors regardless of immigration status, especially for immigration relief and family law connected to domestic violence.

3. How fast can I get a protection order?
With support from legal aid or pro bono advocacy, you may be able to file a Domestic Violence Protection Order the same day at court. The speed depends on court backlog, your case complexity, and availability of representation.

4. What documents should I bring to my consultation or intake?
If safe, bring or upload:

• Police / incident reports

• Photographs of injuries

• Texts, emails, messages showing abuse

• Witness names or contact info

• Any previous court orders or legal documents

• Identification (if possible)

• Housing, lease agreements, financial documents

5. What if I'm beyond income eligibility for legal aid?
You may still qualify for pro bono representation through volunteer attorney programs at KCBA, NJP, or law school clinics. Some organizations accept limited-scope cases or sliding-scale arrangements.

6. Can legal aid help with housing, immigration, or related civil matters?
Yes. Many of these providers also handle housing (evictions, shelter rights), immigration relief (VAWA, U-Visa), and public benefits—especially when these issues intersect with domestic violence.

Conclusion

Seattle and King County have a robust network of civil legal aid, pro bono programs, and advocacy services dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Whether you need a protection order, help with custody or divorce, immigration assistance, or legal navigation support, these organizations can help you access justice and safety. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out early, safely, and with support.