About OCLA

The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid

“The provision of civil legal aid services to indigent persons is an important component of the state’s responsibility to provide for the proper and effective administration of civil and criminal justice”  RCW 2.53.005

The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent judicial branch agency.  It is responsible for administration and oversight of state funds that are appropriated by the Legislature to provide civil (not criminal) legal aid services to low income people in Washington State.

“… And Justice For All”:  Watch the trailer and full video to see how Civil Legal Aid solves problems, offers, hope and redeems lives one person at a time.

If you are low income and need help with a civil legal problem, please click here.

Race Equity and Justice Commitments

OCLA was an initial subscriber of the Washington Race Equity and Justice Acknowledgments and Commitments.  Following well over a year of intentional work, the OCLA team adopted its first REJI Statement of Purpose.  The REJI Statement of Purpose outlines the values and commitments that will guide our internal and external efforts in the coming years.

REJI Cover Letter to Community 1-5-2023

OCLA REJI Statement of Purpose and Commitments 1-5-23

Civil Legal Aid Programs

OCLA funds and oversees four main programs:  (1) a general civil legal aid program; (2) a program providing civil legal aid to victims of crime; (3) a program for court-appointed counsel to represent children and youth in dependency and termination cases; and (4) eviction defense programs including (a) a program for court-appointed attorneys for tenants in judicial eviction proceedings, and (b) a program to provide information, education, outreach, advice, and representation for tenants at risk of eviction but who are not yet involved in court proceedings.  For more information on these programs, click here.

Bipartisan Oversight

The activities of the Office of Civil Legal Aid are overseen by an 11-member bipartisan Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee. 

Accountability

The Office of Civil Legal Aid ensures that state-appropriated civil legal aid funding is used for the purposes for which it has been appropriated and that the services provided are delivered efficiently, effectively and consistently throughout the state.  The OCLA monitors the activities of state-funded legal aid providers and ensures fiscal accountability and compliance with the statute governing the use of state-appropriated civil legal aid funding.

If you have questions about the Office of Civil Legal Aid or the services funded through it, please feel free to contact us.

Job Openings

The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is currently hiring for 2 positions!

We are hiring for a Director of Operations, as well as a position in our Civil Legal Aid Program and our Children’s Representation Program.

Please share with your networks and reach out if you have questions!

Civil Legal Aid Program Counsel/Administrator

Children’s Representation Program Counsel

Notice of Vacancy Director of Operations 2024

OCLA State Application Form

Funding Notices

There are no current Notices of Funding Availability

Requests for Proposals/Qualifications

There are no current requests for Proposals or Qualifications

Other Important Information

The Office Of Civil Legal Aid’s Policy on Public Records

The Office of Civil Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  OCLA EEO POLICY.

Judicial Branch Whistleblower Protection Applies to Office of Civil Legal Aid

Click Here For Information on How to File a Whistleblower Complaint

OCLA Complaint Submission Form