Office Information
| Name: | Unemployment Law Project - Seattle Office |
| Address: | 1904 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA - 98101 |
| Phone: | (206) 441-9178 |
| Fax: | (206) 727-4819 |
Service Information
The Unemployment Law Project provides low-cost representation and free advice and counsel to people in Washington State who have been denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. focus and direction during the hearing and ensure that your voice is heard. Also, having a seasoned representative beside you can be invaluable in accessing and navigating the legal system in a time of stress and need.
If you have been denied unemployment benefits, you must first file an appeal with the state Employment Security Department (ESD) before you contact us. Simply write "I disagree with the decision, and would like a hearing." There is no need to explain the reasons why you disagree as that will be discussed in the hearing. If your appeal is late, explain why. But being sure to get the appeal filed within 30 days will make the process much easier.
If you have been denied unemployment benefits and have filed an appeal, your case will be sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). This is the office that will hold your hearing by phone. Contact them and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project. The OAHs phone number should be 1-800-366-0955. The OAH offices have all of our contact information and will send us your file as soon as they are able. Contact us a few days later to see if we have received your file. If we have, we will set up a telephone intake interview to talk with you about your case.
If you have been denied unemployment benefits and already have a hearing date, look at the top of the page of the "Notice of Hearing." You will see the address and phone number for the Office of Administrative Hearings. Immediately call that number and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project. The Offices of Administrative Hearings has all of our contact information and will send your file as soon as they are able. Call us the following day after you make this request to see if we have received your file. If we have, we will set up an intake interview to talk with you about your case. If you have a hearing date within 24 hours of contacting us, we may not be able to represent you, but we will work with you to set up an appointment for you to speak with on of our representatives through our helpline.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mission Statement: The Unemployment Law Project is a statewide, not-for-profit law firm that is established to provide advice, education, advocacy, services, and representation to unemployed workers, to defend the rights and benefits of workers and unemployed people, to advise workers regarding benefits, and to prevent economic insecurity among Washington’s working population.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid
- What is legal aid?
Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.
- Who is eligible for legal aid?
Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.
- What kind of cases does legal aid handle?
Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:
* Housing* Education* Employment* Family law* Immigration* Public benefits* Consumer law* Health care* Disability rights
- How do I get legal aid?
To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.
- Is legal aid free?
Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.
- What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?
If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.
Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:
- What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?
Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.
- Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?
No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.
- How can I find a legal aid organization near me?
You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.
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