Is Your Organization Eligible For Pro Bono Assistance?

To be eligible for free legal assistance through WAACO, an existing organization must demonstrate that it

• has a primarily charitable or community-based purpose, and
  
• is or seeks to become a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations, and
  
• is unable to pay for legal fees without significant impairment of program resources, and
• seeks legal assistance on a business or organizational matter, but not on any legal issue related to current or expected litigation.

Startup organizations are also eligible for legal assistance, provided they satisfy the above eligibility criteria and demonstrate potential viability.  Startup organizations need to have a mission statement, board of directors, 3-year budget, business plan, and a very clear description of program services or activities that the new organization will engage in before applying for legal assistance through WAACO.

All organizations must submit a completed Application Form along with a check for $50.00 (as a nonrefundable screening/placement fee) to be considered for free legal assistance through WAACO. 

Please find the Application Form under "Application Process" for existing 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) organizations.

There is a different Application Form for new startup nonprofits which you can find at  "For Startup Organizations".

Once a completed application and the application fee are received, it is referred to our screening committee who will review the materials and verify eligibility for legal assistance.  If your application is approved, you will receive notice of eligibility.  At that point, WAACO uses its best efforts to place the matter as soon as possible.  WAACO cannot guarantee it will find a volunteer or how long it may take for an attorney to volunteer.  Eligible nonprofits will be notified promptly when an attorney has volunteered to assist.  WAACO itself will not provide legal representation.  Your organization will need to sign an engagement letter with the volunteer attorney outlining the scope of the representation, and will work directly with that volunteer attorney.

Where can I go if my organization is not eligible for WAACO services? 

The Community Development and Entrepreneurship Clinic is a joint effort between the Entrepreneurship Center and the Seattle University School of Law.  Follow this link for further information.

If you are an individual that needs help and are not seeking assistance for your nonprofit organization, please go to the Washington State Bar Association, which provides a link to "How To Find Legal Help.  Follow this link for further information.