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.

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 information for Washington residents about homeownership, buying a home, foreclosure prevention, refinancing and avoiding homeownership scams and fraud. Provides links to homeownership preparedness courses, counselors and more. Printed materials also available for download or to order online.

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)'s Youth Homelessness Program provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Provides a free elder law clinic for residents of King County. Provides a free half-hour of advice.    Examples of issues presented are   -  Health directives -  Power-of-attorneys -  Wills Some frequently asked questions include: "What should I put in my will?" "Can I legally place my father in a nursing home? "Is my will legal in the state of Washington?" and "Can you help me understand the complexities of WA Apple Health (Medicaid) and estate planning?"   Program is offered in partnership with the King County Bar Association and Senior Rights Assistance through Sound Generations.

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.

Offers information about the most recent tax-related scams, including email, phishing and malware schemes, and IRS-impersonation telephone scams, as well as a reporting hotline. Provides tips for identifying, handling and reporting tax scams.

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.

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.

Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: Federal and state benefits (social security, veteran's, Medicare and Medicaid), employment, contracts, debt/consumer/finance, landlord/tenant. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic. Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.

Provides regulatory oversight for state-chartered commercial banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, trust companies, foreign banks, credit unions, payday loan companies and check cashers and sellers. Issues licenses to financial companies operating in Washington. Also provides oversight of mortgage brokers, mortgage loan originators, investment advisers, franchises and securities.  Consumers may file a complaint after contacting the company directly and getting no positive results. Cannot give legal advice, nor recommend attorneys. The agency cannot pursue redress on your behalf. Contact a private attorney who can advise you of your rights.

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 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.