Free 30-minute consultations with a lawyer
DPL partners with the Deschutes County Access to Justice Committee to offer free 30-minute consultations with an attorney offering general legal information or referrals to other agencies.
Lawyer in the Library is intended for self-represented individuals. If you already have an attorney we may not be able to help you.
Due to COVID-19, the Downtown Bend Library is currently closed and Lawyer in the Library has transitioned to online consultations using Zoom conferencing software. Spanish interpretation is still available with advanced notice. If you're interested in learning more or registering for an online meeting, call 541-617-7089 or email jenniferp@deschuteslibrary.org.
Schedule
Lawyer in the Library takes place Wednesday nights* at the Downtown Bend Library.
*Lawyer in the Library will not be held during the weeks of common bank holidays including Christmas, New Year’s Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving. Call or check the online calendar to verify the program is running.
Appointments run from 5:30—7 p.m. Registrants must arrive by 5:15 p.m. to secure their spot and receive their appointment time.
Registration
Advance registration for appointments opens at 9 a.m. 13 days prior to the date. Registrants will learn the time of their appointment when they check in.
Register at:
Walk-in appointments may be available and are awarded by lottery at 5:15 p.m.
Interpretation
Spanish interpreters are available with advance notice. Request when registering or call: 541-617-7057.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Bring all the documents and forms you have related to your legal question.
Registration does not confirm the time of your appointment. You must arrive by 5:15 p.m. to secure your spot. At that time, you will be given the time for your appointment which may be anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Areas of Law*
*Lawyers may not have experience in all areas of law
Lawyers volunteer their time to staff this service. We aim to schedule one family-law lawyer and one general-law lawyer each week.
- Family law: custody, divorce, child support
- Domestic violence: restraining orders, stalking orders, assault
- Housing: public housing, evictions, foreclosure
- Public Benefits: TANF, SSI, SNAP, food stamps, medical, OHP
- Education: IEP, student loans
- Employment: discrimination, unemployment
- Consumer Issues: garnishments, debts, bankruptcy
- Civil rights: discrimination
- Senior law: wills, long-term care, Medicaid/Medicare, power of attorney
Lawyer in the Library does not help with criminal law questions.